Drexel Downs Campbell 81 – 66 at the DAC
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 2/17/2024 –
The Dragons won a second straight CAA game, helping to reverse a three game losing streak with an 81 – 66 win over the Campbell Camels. This the first time the teams have met, and Campbell left with a not so good feeling about their initial visit. The Dragons defense held the intricate Camels in check while getting offensive spark from the three-point line. Luke House scored a team-high 18 points, all from beyond the arc.
But what is the important part is the team is getting back on the right side of the ledger in the CAA.
“For sure we are back on track,” said House. “It was tough to win on the road. We are capable of winning on the road, but it felt good to come back home. We just got to keep it going. Got a couple more conference games left.”
Drexel has now posted 10 conference wins in three consecutive seasons.
Defense Sets the Tone
Campbell had a difficult time getting the offense rolling. Drexel made that so with the defensive effort. When the Camels tried to take it to the basket, the wall known as Amari Williams was waiting. He blocked 5 shots, 4 of those came early in the first half. Campbell made 11 of 29 shots (38%). The Dragons made them play uphill.
“It’s what we’ve been harping on because in the last couple of games we didn’t get off to a great start,” House said. “It was important to get off to a good start and just don’t give them any hope.”
For the game Drexel went 28 of 60 (46.7%). Campbell was good on 26 of 66 (39.4%) from the floor.
Three-Point Line
Drexel moved the ball and created open looks from distance. The Dragons were14 of 26 in the opening stanza (54%) and connected on 8 of 13 three-pointers in the first half. For the game they knocked down 14 of 31 from three-point land.
It did show good complementary basketball on the offensive side.
“I thought Amari Williams impacted the game in many ways,” said Drexel Coach Zach Spiker. “Five blocks, my goodness. I think we were pretty balanced today. We probably took a few more three’s than we have, but I think we shot it well too.”
Key Run of the Game
With the score tied at 11 six minutes into the game, Drexel went on a 19 – 4 run over the next ten minutes to double up Campbell 30 – 15. It took the Camels nearly four and a half minutes to move off the 11 point mark. Meanwhile, seven Dragons scored over the run, three baskets coming from beyond the arc.
What the Numbers Say
There were four Dragons who posted double-digits in scoring. Mate Okros had 11 points. Both he and House took only three’s. Kobe MaGee scored 15 points and Amari Williams chipped in with 13. He also blocked 5 shots, one shy of his career-high.
But Drexel did turn the ball over 14 times, 11 via steals which led to some easy baskets for Campbell. And got the game closer than expected. The closeness came in the final five minutes, not indicative of the game according to Spiker.
“I do not think we ended it well,” Spiker said. “I do not think we handled the pressure well. I didn’t think we got a grade at the end. There’ll be a lot we can cover on film and get better at. I’m glad we built a cushion and played well for a chunk of the time. But we can be better.”
Anthony Dell’Orso scored a game-high 23 points for the Camels. Jason Sinani had 16 points while Laurynas Vaistaras added 11 points.
Up Next
Drexel (17 – 10, 10 – 4) hits the road next week for games at Hofstra and Delaware. Coming into the game the Dragons sat a half game behind UNCW and Charleston, and as of now, temporarily tied the league leaders atop of the standings. In the mind of the Dragons, the next game is the important one.
Campbell, the newest member of the conference, drops to 12 – 15 overall and 6 – 8 in the league.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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