Justin Moore Sinks a Game-Winning Jumper With 3.7 Seconds to Play
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 2/2/2023 –
The Drexel Dragons trailed for a majority of the game and all of the second half until the end. But the Dragons hung in and persevered to earn a 70 – 69 win over the first place College of Charleston Cougars in a CAA battle at the DAC. Drexel got the ball back when the College of Charleston turned the ball over on a shot clock violation with 10.3 seconds showing on the clock. The Dragons called timeout and set up the game-changing last play. It worked, just not the way it was planned.
“I was supposed to get it up to the rim,” Moore said. “But I saw I had a mismatch. I gave him a move and put it up there. It’s a great feeling just knowing everybody has you back. Once you make that shot it’s even better because you get to celebrate which I got.”
Perseverance Paid Off
While the Cougars played from ahead, the Dragons stayed in proximity. Drexel crawled to within 64 – 61 when guard Coltrane Washington hit the Dragons first three-pointer of the game. Drexel made 2 of 15 from beyond the arc. After Dalton Bolon sank two free throws for the Cougars, Moore made another three and the deficit was two points.
“That cut the lead in half, so that was a big shot,” Drexel Coach Zach Spiker said about getting that first made three-pointer. “It’s an example of stay with it. It probably put a little wind in our sails for sure.”
Bolton, who scored a game-high tying 19 points, answered with another from distance at 2:19. At first glance the basket was a dagger-three. But the College of Charleston would not score again. Amari Williams and Moore sank free throws with 1:03 to play to set up the end game as Drexel trailed 69 – 68.
“None of us went our own way, we stuck together, and stay confident in what we could do,” said Williams. “I think defense was a big thing as well, and rebounding. We just stuck to the principles.”
Important Game to Put Into the Win Column
Both teams came into the game with a loss in their previous game. For the Dragons, it was a two-game losing streak. That skid is broken. The Cougars were receiving votes and sat atop the CAA. The win is a huge one for Drexel as Spiker explains why.
“We have our 13th win which is big,” Spiker said. ” I know we played a team above us in the standings. So that’s significant. I like the direction we are heading when a freshman hits a game-winning shot.”
What the Numbers Say
Williams scored a game-high tying 19 points draining 7 of 9 from the free throw line. He added a game-best 12 rebounds. Moore scored 16 points and pulled down a career-high 8 rebounds. He also dished out 4 assists. While Drexel was cold from the three-point line, they did make 20 of 26 from the charity stripe. College of Charleston was 12 of 16. Ante Brzovic scored 14 points for the Cougars.
The Drexel Defense held the College of Charleston to 11 points under their season average. The Cougars were receiving votes to be nationally ranked. The Dragons stayed with their game plan.
“Just knowing their tendencies and sticking through it throughout the game, and basically not giving them anything easy,” Williams said.
Up Next
Both teams have games on Saturday. The College of Charleston play at Delaware. Drexel goes to north Jersey to meet Monmouth.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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