La Salle delighted the home crowd at Tom Gola Arena with a 67-61 victory over Drexel on Tuesday. The Big 5 contest, Drexel’s first in the City series, was the season opener for both teams. Game was tied at 32 at the half. Midway through the final stanza both teams were still knotted at 48. Fran Dunphy’s club then sealed it in the final ten minutes.
Possessions: 66
eFG Pct: Drexel 45, La Salle 49
FT Rate: Drexel 28, La Salle 32
OREB PCT: Drexel 35, La Salle 30
TO Rate: Drexel 21, La Salle 17
Leading scorers: Jhamir Brickus, La Salle 18, Amari Williams, Drexel 16.
Brickus was the proverbial difference maker. The La Salle senior guard scored 14 of his game high 18 the second half, including 9 in the final four minutes when the Explorers sealed the verdict.
Defense was also a key factor for the Explorers. Drexel was limited to 4 of 17 (24%) from three for the game. The second half, the visiting Dragons shot 0 for 6.
LaSalle hosts Northeastern of the CAA on Saturday.
The Big 5 is now divided into two pods. Temple, La Salle and Drexel are in Pod 1. Villanova, Saint Joseph’s and Penn are in :Pod 2. Teams finishing in first in each pod play for the championship. Second place teams play for runner up while third place teams vie for fifth place.
