Drexel Wins 61 – 49 Over Elon
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1/29/2023 –
The Drexel Dragons won both ends of their league weekend series. Friday night they celebrated a win over Hofstra, and Keishana Washington’s 2,000 career point milestone. On Sunday it was a game against Elon, Then get ready to celebrate the Eagles NFC Championship. Coach Amy Mallon wanted to get home and watch The Birds. A good day all around for the team from University City.
“I am really happy with this win today,” said Mallon. “Being back at home and coming out with two wins is really big for us, and momentum for us as we’re moving forward into two road games next week.”
Career Day for Chloe Hodges
The junior forward set a career-mark in points and rebounds. Hodges made all six of her field goal attempts and was perfect on all three from the charity stripe to post 15 points. This is her third consecutive game scoring in double figures. Hodges pulled down a game-high 8 rebounds, and equal amount on the offensive and defensive glass.
Hodges was the main recipient of the good inside ball movement. Fellow forward Kylie Lavelle scored 9 points. Early in the game the ball moved like, tic-tac-toe – layup.
“Each game we see different defense,” Mallon observed. “With Washington on the floor, teams have to do different things. I think our ball movement is getting a little better. And I think you are seeing that because of players like Chloe. She is very versatile in what she can do.”
Keishana Washington Impacted the Game in Many Ways
It took awhile for Washington to get into double figures scoring. She scored a game-high 16 points, her 54th straight game in double digits. Washington contributed in many ways. She was fouled 8 times, and made all 6 free throws, assisted 3 times, and stole the ball twice.
“She didn’t shoot particularly great from the field, and still ended up with sixteen points,” Mallon said about Washington. “I think she did a great job again leading on the floor, knowing when we need to slow the ball down a little bit and distribute it. She made some really nice passes.”
Critical Three-Pointer by Grace O’Neill
The Dragons led from start to finish, but needed to withstand a late charge by the Phoenix who got to within 55 – 49 in the fourth quarter. With 1:15 on the clock Washington got the ball to freshman guard Grace O’Neill. She rose up from the right corner and drilled a three-pointer. The basket by the first year player determined the game.
“I said that’s a huge shot,” said Mallon. “And one thing about Grace O’Neill, she’s one of the toughest players on the team. Just what she does every day, her ability to rebound for her size. That goes to show you her heart and toughness, but that also goes to show her taking those shots. She wants to take those, she wants to be in a position, and I have a feeling she will be in that position in the future as well.”
What the Numbers Say
Drexel outrebounded Elon 35 – 28. Of the eight Dragons who played, seven pulled down at least two rebounds. Hetta Saatman and O’Neill grabbed 6 boards each, and Lavelle added four caroms. All the Drexel players who played did score. The Dragons held the Phoenix to 8 points in the first quarter.
Elon had two players in double-figures. Evonna McGill led the team with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Lenaejha Evans contributed 10 points.
Up Next
Drexel goes on the road next weekend for CAA games at Northeastern and Stony Brook.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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