Maura Hendrixson Sets Program-Mark for Assists in a Single Game
PHILADELPHIA, PA 1/1/23 –
The Drexel Dragons are on a five-game winning streak, two in conference, with a hard fought 75 – 67 win over the Towson Tigers at the DAC. The Dragons won it behind fifth-year guard Maura Hendrixson who set a career-high and a program record as she handed out 14 assists in the game. Two other Drexel players, Grace O’Neill and Hetta Saatman set the collegiate-best scoring marks in the win. It was important that these players rose to the occasion.
Hendrixson Found the Open Player
Towson was laser-focused on defending Keishana Washington. Hendrixson read the defense and found the open Dragon time and time again in setting the school-record. Previous game experience helped her be ready for the Tigers defense.
“I believe our non-conference games helped a lot because we’ve seen that before,” said Hendrixson. “We were very prepared for Kei (Keishana Washington) get doubled the whole game and people stepping up and being confident. So, it was just finding my open teammates and knowing they’ll make the shots.”
Hendrixson also added 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals to the stat line.
O’Neill and Saatman Provide Offense
O’Neill, a freshman guard, scored 19 points in making 7 of 10 from the floor, and was a perfect 3 for 3 from beyond the arc in thirty minutes of play. She got her shot to fall early as all of her three-pointers came in the first half. It boosted her and the teams confidence.
“I think obviously making shots gives you a lot of confidence, but a lot of confidence comes from your teammates,” said O’Neill. “Especially when they see you open and they’re like ‘shoot it’, like that confidence going into even taking the shot. And Kei (Washington) telling me to continue to shoot it. It really helps when I do take the shots.”
Saatman provided inside offense getting 15 points. She shot 7 for 14, and included a three-ball.
Towson Wanted to Limit Washington
The Tigers were somewhat successful in limiting the offensive output of Washington. She had 5 points at halftime. A player of her caliber can be held down for times, but Washington got it going in the fourth quarter getting 10 of her 19 points. For the game the graduate guard made 9 of 12 from the free throw line.
“We put her in a lot of positions where screening to get them open,” said Drexel Coach Amy Mallon. “Then they would cheat and she got some open looks. I was happy with her for staying calm out there and realizing she had to be a facilitator and screener today. And she did that for her team. That’s what we need for her to do to win games this year.”
What the Numbers Say
Drexel made 27 of 58 field goal attempts. It is notable that the Dragons had 25 assists on the 27 baskets. Washington and Saatman dished out 3 assists apiece. Tori Hyduke and O’Neill had 2 each.
On the defensive end of the floor the Tigers had 21 turnovers to which the Dragons created a 26 – 8 advantage in points off turnovers.
Kylie Kornegay-Lucas scored a game-high 23 points for Towson.
National Scoring Leaders
In our city Washington and Maddy Siegrist of Villanova were first and second in the country in scoring average coming into today’s games. In Sunday action Siegrist scored 35 points, Washington added 19. The players switch positions as Siegrist now averages 28 points per game. Washington stands at 27.4 counters per contest. Two players from the same city ranked in the top-two. No one could recall if that happened before.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Be the first to comment