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Greatest Games Poll (1990-present)
1. Drexel 75, (#16)Memphis 63 @ NCAA West Region 1st Round, March 1996.
('95-96 season. 27-4. Advanced to Second Round of NCAA Tournament.)
“The 12th-seeded Dragons, obviously overlooked by the Tigers and most of the college basketball world, got their first ever NCAA tournament victory in surprisingly easy fashion over No. 5 seed Memphis at the Pit in Albuquerque.” Drexel came into the game with a 26-3 record and a 15 game winning streak, but Memphis didn’t respect the best Dragons’ team in the history of the school. Drexel led 40-30 at halftime, but actually could have led by more. Memphis didn’t score during the final 5 minutes of the half, while the Dragons missed three free throws and an easy layup during that same span. Intent on erasing their miscues from before the break, Drexel came out and scored the first 8 points of the second half on treys from DeRocckis and Frey plus two more poins from Malik. Memphis never got closer than 11 the rest of the game. The only damper on the game was when Malik landed awkwardly on his right ankle with 9 minutes left in the game. He left briefly, was limping noticeably afterward, but continued to lead the Drexel offense. All five starters scored in double digits: Malik with 21 and 15 rebounds, Myers 15 and 5 assists, DeRocckis 14, and Overby and Guittar added 10 each. Except for Guittar, who had minor foul trouble, no starter played less than 37 minutes. As a team, Drexel shot 50% from the field and 50% from behind the arc. Memphis was a respectable 40% from the field.
VIDEO courtesy JB. Credit: CBS.
“The 12th-seeded Dragons, obviously overlooked by the Tigers and most of the college basketball world, got their first ever NCAA tournament victory in surprisingly easy fashion over No. 5 seed Memphis at the Pit in Albuquerque.” Drexel came into the game with a 26-3 record and a 15 game winning streak, but Memphis didn’t respect the best Dragons’ team in the history of the school. Drexel led 40-30 at halftime, but actually could have led by more. Memphis didn’t score during the final 5 minutes of the half, while the Dragons missed three free throws and an easy layup during that same span. Intent on erasing their miscues from before the break, Drexel came out and scored the first 8 points of the second half on treys from DeRocckis and Frey plus two more poins from Malik. Memphis never got closer than 11 the rest of the game. The only damper on the game was when Malik landed awkwardly on his right ankle with 9 minutes left in the game. He left briefly, was limping noticeably afterward, but continued to lead the Drexel offense. All five starters scored in double digits: Malik with 21 and 15 rebounds, Myers 15 and 5 assists, DeRocckis 14, and Overby and Guittar added 10 each. Except for Guittar, who had minor foul trouble, no starter played less than 37 minutes. As a team, Drexel shot 50% from the field and 50% from behind the arc. Memphis was a respectable 40% from the field.
VIDEO courtesy JB. Credit: CBS.
2. Drexel 81, @Villanova 76, December 2006. First ever win over the Cats.
(’06-07 season. 23-9. Lost to North Carolina State in NIT First Round @ DAC.)
"I've been preaching to my team all year: Don't cheat yourselves," Flint said after the Dragons first victory over the ‘Cats in 18 tries. It was not as if the Wildcats played poorly. Villanova shot 50 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from 3-point range, 75 percent from the free throw line and committed just 14 turnovers. So how did the Dragons pull off the upset? Drexel did it with balance and determination. There were 12 lead changes and 8 ties through out the game. In the first half Drexel lead early by as much a 7 with 8 minutes left in the first half. Villanova took over for the rest of the half building a 35-28 lead at halftime. Villanova continued that surge early in the second half pulling out to a 48-40 lead. Then as the Wildcats went cold, it was the Dragons who took a 58-57 lead that would grow to 67-59 before Villanova mounted its final comeback to tie the game at 71 with 4 minutes left. The Dragons began to out-rebound Villanova, igniting a 2 minute 8-2 run. The Wildcats were forced to foul and Mason iced the game by hitting two free throws with 13.8 seconds to go. Villanova hadn’t lost a non-conference game in the Pavillion since February 2004, a span of almost 3 years. Mason led the way with 21, Hawthorne contributed 15 off the bench, while Elegar had 14 pts with 11 rebounds.
"I've been preaching to my team all year: Don't cheat yourselves," Flint said after the Dragons first victory over the ‘Cats in 18 tries. It was not as if the Wildcats played poorly. Villanova shot 50 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from 3-point range, 75 percent from the free throw line and committed just 14 turnovers. So how did the Dragons pull off the upset? Drexel did it with balance and determination. There were 12 lead changes and 8 ties through out the game. In the first half Drexel lead early by as much a 7 with 8 minutes left in the first half. Villanova took over for the rest of the half building a 35-28 lead at halftime. Villanova continued that surge early in the second half pulling out to a 48-40 lead. Then as the Wildcats went cold, it was the Dragons who took a 58-57 lead that would grow to 67-59 before Villanova mounted its final comeback to tie the game at 71 with 4 minutes left. The Dragons began to out-rebound Villanova, igniting a 2 minute 8-2 run. The Wildcats were forced to foul and Mason iced the game by hitting two free throws with 13.8 seconds to go. Villanova hadn’t lost a non-conference game in the Pavillion since February 2004, a span of almost 3 years. Mason led the way with 21, Hawthorne contributed 15 off the bench, while Elegar had 14 pts with 11 rebounds.
3. Drexel 84, @(#23)Syracuse 79, December 2006.
(’06-07 season. 23-9. Lost to North Carolina State in NIT First Round @ DAC.)
The Dragons rallied from a 10 point second half deficit to stun the #23 Orange. This was their first victory over a ranked opponent since 1996. Drexel actually produced two dominating runs in the second half to close the gap and eventually take a lead that would expand to 10 points with under 4 minutes to play. After controlling most of the first half, Syracuse surged to go ahead by 7 at halftime. The Dragons made their move by reeling off 9 unanswered points and taking the lead at 54-53 on a Crawford layup with 12 minutes to play. After exchanging baskets at the midpoint of the half, Drexel pulled away with about 8 minutes remaining with a 7-0 run highlighted by Elegar and Meija. The Dragons lead reached 10 at three different points late in the game. Elegar poured in a career high 27 points plus 10 rebounds. Mason had an outstanding game with 14 points and 5 steals. Mejia contributed 16 pts, and Crawford had 9 pts with 7 boards.
The Dragons rallied from a 10 point second half deficit to stun the #23 Orange. This was their first victory over a ranked opponent since 1996. Drexel actually produced two dominating runs in the second half to close the gap and eventually take a lead that would expand to 10 points with under 4 minutes to play. After controlling most of the first half, Syracuse surged to go ahead by 7 at halftime. The Dragons made their move by reeling off 9 unanswered points and taking the lead at 54-53 on a Crawford layup with 12 minutes to play. After exchanging baskets at the midpoint of the half, Drexel pulled away with about 8 minutes remaining with a 7-0 run highlighted by Elegar and Meija. The Dragons lead reached 10 at three different points late in the game. Elegar poured in a career high 27 points plus 10 rebounds. Mason had an outstanding game with 14 points and 5 steals. Mejia contributed 16 pts, and Crawford had 9 pts with 7 boards.
4. Drexel 86, Maine 78 @ the PEAC, March 1994.
('93-94 season. 25-5. Won NAC, lost to Temple in NCAA 1st round.)
“Third time is the charm” read a sign that was brought into the PEAC for the 1994 NAC Championship Game. And it was. After losses in the last two NAC Championship Games, the Dragons came into this one as the #1 seed and finally earned a NAC championship with a trip to the NCAA tournament. But, it was not easy. Leading by only one at the half, 42-41, the second half was an intense struggle. There were 10 lead changes and 7 ties, prior to the final minutes, Drexel never led by more than 3, Maine led by as much as 5. Malik electrified the sold-out PEAC with 4 minutes to go with a dazzling three point play to tie the score at 72. The Black Bears quickly regained a 78-75 lead, but a Wisler trey tied it again. Maine had the ball with 48 seconds left, trailing by 2, when Overby picked up a steal (from Casey Arena) and sank two free throws to ice the game. Holden was solid with 15 pts and 10 assists, Malik turned in perhaps his best performance to date with 19 pts, 15 rebs. Mike Wisler added 18 pts and Jim Rullo 13.
This game stands as the greatest game played at the PEAC/DAC since 1990.
VIDEO courtesy JB. Credit ESPN
5. Drexel 76, Boston University 67 @ the PEAC, March 1996.
('95-96 season. 27-4. Advanced to Second Round of NCAA Tournament.)
1996 North Atlantic Conference Championship game. 3rd straight NAC Championship. The Dragons trailed by 7 at the half, primarily because Malik admitted he played conservatively to avoid foul trouble. The rest of the team rushed shots from every angle and often after just one pass. Defensively, the Terriers (mainly Awojobi) carved up the Dragons. Myers and others clearly had the jitters. All of that changed after the break as he scored 16 pts and the Dragons outscored the Terriers 47-31 in the second half. Beyond Malik's 22 total pts and 19 rebs, it was a solid team effort. Myers added 16 pts; Overby scored 13 while playing all 40 minutes and freshman DeRocckis scored 12. As Malik left the court with 22 seconds left to a standing ovation, he promptly knelt down and kissed the Dragon at center court to celebrate his final game on campus. Beautiful.
1996 North Atlantic Conference Championship game. 3rd straight NAC Championship. The Dragons trailed by 7 at the half, primarily because Malik admitted he played conservatively to avoid foul trouble. The rest of the team rushed shots from every angle and often after just one pass. Defensively, the Terriers (mainly Awojobi) carved up the Dragons. Myers and others clearly had the jitters. All of that changed after the break as he scored 16 pts and the Dragons outscored the Terriers 47-31 in the second half. Beyond Malik's 22 total pts and 19 rebs, it was a solid team effort. Myers added 16 pts; Overby scored 13 while playing all 40 minutes and freshman DeRocckis scored 12. As Malik left the court with 22 seconds left to a standing ovation, he promptly knelt down and kissed the Dragon at center court to celebrate his final game on campus. Beautiful.
6. Drexel 52, @(#20)Louisville 46, December 2010.
('10-11 season. 21-10, lost in CAA quarterfinals to Virginia Commonwelth.)
Louisville came into this game ranked #20 with an 8-0 record and undefeated at their brand new KFC Yum! Center home arena. Despite the seemingly daunting challenge in front of 20,912 spectators, Drexel methodically dismantled the Cardinals. Gerald Colds set the tone. "Everybody came in thinking we were better than them," Colds said. "We felt we could do it. We knew it would be physical. We had to rebound, be strong on offense and slow them down." He scored a clutch 20 points including 3 of 7 from behind the arc. Chis Fouch played 35 minutes off the bench and picked up 10 points. But it was the advantage of having Samme Givens and Daryl McCoy pull down 10 rebounds each (plus 6 more from Dartaye Ruffin) that set the tone of the game. The Dragons outrebounded the Pitino-led squad 46 to 26, and held them to just one field goal in the last 8 minutes of the game. The Dragons led 25-23 at half after a clutch 3 by Fouch from the baseline, but Louisville charged out of the break on a 10-1 run. A Givens layup regained the Dragons lead at 43-42 as Drexel slowly extended the lead until the final buzzer. “When you don't get out on the break and don't rebound and do the little things that help you score [you lose]," Pitino said. "They deserve the victory and we didn't. Give Drexel the credit."
Louisville came into this game ranked #20 with an 8-0 record and undefeated at their brand new KFC Yum! Center home arena. Despite the seemingly daunting challenge in front of 20,912 spectators, Drexel methodically dismantled the Cardinals. Gerald Colds set the tone. "Everybody came in thinking we were better than them," Colds said. "We felt we could do it. We knew it would be physical. We had to rebound, be strong on offense and slow them down." He scored a clutch 20 points including 3 of 7 from behind the arc. Chis Fouch played 35 minutes off the bench and picked up 10 points. But it was the advantage of having Samme Givens and Daryl McCoy pull down 10 rebounds each (plus 6 more from Dartaye Ruffin) that set the tone of the game. The Dragons outrebounded the Pitino-led squad 46 to 26, and held them to just one field goal in the last 8 minutes of the game. The Dragons led 25-23 at half after a clutch 3 by Fouch from the baseline, but Louisville charged out of the break on a 10-1 run. A Givens layup regained the Dragons lead at 43-42 as Drexel slowly extended the lead until the final buzzer. “When you don't get out on the break and don't rebound and do the little things that help you score [you lose]," Pitino said. "They deserve the victory and we didn't. Give Drexel the credit."
7. Drexel 72, Northeastern 52 @ the PEAC, March 1995.
('94-95 season. 22-8. Won NAC, lost to Oklahoma State in NCAA 1st round.)
Drexel came into the 1995 North Atlantic Conference Championship game as the #1 seed and defending champion. The Dragons got off to a sluggish start, trailing 9-2 after the first 6 minutes of the game, but recovered to take a 36-26 halftime lead. Holden began the blow out in the second half with a three, giving the Dragons a 13 point lead with 10 minutes left. Malik, Frey, Overby and Hudgins scored 9 more unanswered points and the rout was on. Back-to-back championships and a second trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Dragons were 12-4 in the NAC and a perfect 14-0 in the PEAC. Malik turned in another dominant performance with 21 pts and 13 boards. Frey and Overby each scored 12 while Holden, in his last game at the PEAC, netted 11.
Drexel came into the 1995 North Atlantic Conference Championship game as the #1 seed and defending champion. The Dragons got off to a sluggish start, trailing 9-2 after the first 6 minutes of the game, but recovered to take a 36-26 halftime lead. Holden began the blow out in the second half with a three, giving the Dragons a 13 point lead with 10 minutes left. Malik, Frey, Overby and Hudgins scored 9 more unanswered points and the rout was on. Back-to-back championships and a second trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Dragons were 12-4 in the NAC and a perfect 14-0 in the PEAC. Malik turned in another dominant performance with 21 pts and 13 boards. Frey and Overby each scored 12 while Holden, in his last game at the PEAC, netted 11.
8. (#1)Duke 78, Drexel 68 @ Madison Square Garden, November 2005.
('05-06 season. 15-16, lost in CAA first round to Delaware.)
Pre-season NIT Semi-final at the Garden in front of nearly 10,000 spectators. The Dragons put on an outstanding performance against Duke and garnered praise from sportswriters and broadcasters for their effort. The Dragons trailed by one, 41-40 at halftime against the #1 team in the nation. However, the Dragons' shooting cooled to 32% in the second half as Duke took control. But the Dragons did not roll over, in fact, they stayed in the game until the end and trailed by just six with 1:22 to play. Mejia netted 25 pts, Mason added 15 and Sanchez scored 11 as Drexel’s upset bid against Duke fell just short, 78-68. Drexel won the battle of the boards, 40-30, including 16 offensive rebounds. Crawford had 9 rebounds and swatted away 3 shots.
Pre-season NIT Semi-final at the Garden in front of nearly 10,000 spectators. The Dragons put on an outstanding performance against Duke and garnered praise from sportswriters and broadcasters for their effort. The Dragons trailed by one, 41-40 at halftime against the #1 team in the nation. However, the Dragons' shooting cooled to 32% in the second half as Duke took control. But the Dragons did not roll over, in fact, they stayed in the game until the end and trailed by just six with 1:22 to play. Mejia netted 25 pts, Mason added 15 and Sanchez scored 11 as Drexel’s upset bid against Duke fell just short, 78-68. Drexel won the battle of the boards, 40-30, including 16 offensive rebounds. Crawford had 9 rebounds and swatted away 3 shots.
9. (#15)Syracuse 69, Drexel 58 @ NCAA West Region 2nd Round, March 1996.
('95-96 season. 27-4. Advanced to Second Round of NCAA Tournament.)
This was the end of a magical season, finishing 27-4 with a third straight conference championship and a first ever NCAA win. And the Dragons didn't go down without a serious fight. The score was tied at 24 at halftime. Drexel took a 35-32 lead on a Myers trey with 15 minutes to go. However, in the next 4 minutes, the Orange went on a 9-0 run to regain control. The Dragons again closed to within 2 at 44-42 with 9 minutes left. Syracuse answered with 6 straight points to go up by 8. The closest Drexel would get the rest of the way was 50-46, with 6 minutes left, after two Overby free thows. It was valiant and the Albuquerque crowd was clearly rooting for the Dragons but the bigger, deeper Syracuse team was just too much. Syracuse would advance to the national championship game as the tourney unfolded. Malik, playing on the ankle and Achilles sprained in the previous game, was doubled for most of the game and still came away with 11 pts, 15 rebounds and in the process passed Ralph Sampson to become the NCAA’s 2nd all-time rebounder, trailing only Derrick Coleman. Myers led the Dragons with 18 pts, Overby added 16. Guittar and DeRocckis each also played 32 and 39 minutes, respectively.
This was the end of a magical season, finishing 27-4 with a third straight conference championship and a first ever NCAA win. And the Dragons didn't go down without a serious fight. The score was tied at 24 at halftime. Drexel took a 35-32 lead on a Myers trey with 15 minutes to go. However, in the next 4 minutes, the Orange went on a 9-0 run to regain control. The Dragons again closed to within 2 at 44-42 with 9 minutes left. Syracuse answered with 6 straight points to go up by 8. The closest Drexel would get the rest of the way was 50-46, with 6 minutes left, after two Overby free thows. It was valiant and the Albuquerque crowd was clearly rooting for the Dragons but the bigger, deeper Syracuse team was just too much. Syracuse would advance to the national championship game as the tourney unfolded. Malik, playing on the ankle and Achilles sprained in the previous game, was doubled for most of the game and still came away with 11 pts, 15 rebounds and in the process passed Ralph Sampson to become the NCAA’s 2nd all-time rebounder, trailing only Derrick Coleman. Myers led the Dragons with 18 pts, Overby added 16. Guittar and DeRocckis each also played 32 and 39 minutes, respectively.
10. Drexel 64, @Creighton 58. February 2007.
(’06-07 season. 23-9. Lost to North Carolina State in NIT First Round @ DAC.)
One of eleven featured ESPN BracketBusters games broadcast to the nation at 9 pm Saturday night on ESPN2. Aside from the national audience, the Qwest Center in Omaha admitted 17,607 spectators, the largest basketball crowd in Nebraska history. The Dragons struggled in the first half and still trailed by 10 with 11 minutes to play. From there, Elegar and Mejia led a 20-3 run that turned the game around for the Dragons. Mejia finished with 20 pts, Elegar 19. Crawford was his usual defensive monster with 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks to go along with 7 points. This game saved the Dragons at-large hopes at the time by picking up win #20, NCAA leading 12th road win and by beating a top Missouri Valley conference team (the cream of the Mid Major crop).
One of eleven featured ESPN BracketBusters games broadcast to the nation at 9 pm Saturday night on ESPN2. Aside from the national audience, the Qwest Center in Omaha admitted 17,607 spectators, the largest basketball crowd in Nebraska history. The Dragons struggled in the first half and still trailed by 10 with 11 minutes to play. From there, Elegar and Mejia led a 20-3 run that turned the game around for the Dragons. Mejia finished with 20 pts, Elegar 19. Crawford was his usual defensive monster with 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks to go along with 7 points. This game saved the Dragons at-large hopes at the time by picking up win #20, NCAA leading 12th road win and by beating a top Missouri Valley conference team (the cream of the Mid Major crop).
11. Drexel 62, Virginia Commonwealth 60 @ Richmond, March 2003.
(’02-03 season. 19-12, lost in CAA Final)
CAA Semi-final game. This win advanced Drexel to its first CAA championship game appearance. Still the only CAA semi-final win in school history. This Battle, Schmeider, Whitworth and Goss led team ended up in the NIT several weeks later after losing in the CAA championship to UNC-Wilmington.
CAA Semi-final game. This win advanced Drexel to its first CAA championship game appearance. Still the only CAA semi-final win in school history. This Battle, Schmeider, Whitworth and Goss led team ended up in the NIT several weeks later after losing in the CAA championship to UNC-Wilmington.
12. Drexel 81, Central Florida 56 @ the DAC, March 2012. First NIT victory.
(‘11-12 season. 29-7, lost in CAA semi-finals to Virginia Commonwealth, lost in NIT quarterfinals to UMass.)
"NIT 2012: Drexel vs. The World." The Dragons delivered the message from the DAC Pack rollout with an exclamation point. Drexel scored the first 9 points of the game, led by 16 in the first half and cruised through the second half to rout the Knights. Scoring came from everywhere, including 19 by Chris Fouch, 18 by Frantz Massenat (plus 14 assists) and 10 big points in the second half by Goran Pantovic in the first significant minutes of his collegiate career. Goran entered as Samme Givens and Daryl McCoy battled foul trouble, and he promptly hit all four of his shots from the floor in eight minutes on the court. He became an instant crowd favorite. Dartaye Ruffin also played well with 9 points and 8 rebounds. This would be the Dragons first appearance in the NIT since 2007. It is the school’s first postseason victory since 1996 and first ever NIT win.
"NIT 2012: Drexel vs. The World." The Dragons delivered the message from the DAC Pack rollout with an exclamation point. Drexel scored the first 9 points of the game, led by 16 in the first half and cruised through the second half to rout the Knights. Scoring came from everywhere, including 19 by Chris Fouch, 18 by Frantz Massenat (plus 14 assists) and 10 big points in the second half by Goran Pantovic in the first significant minutes of his collegiate career. Goran entered as Samme Givens and Daryl McCoy battled foul trouble, and he promptly hit all four of his shots from the floor in eight minutes on the court. He became an instant crowd favorite. Dartaye Ruffin also played well with 9 points and 8 rebounds. This would be the Dragons first appearance in the NIT since 2007. It is the school’s first postseason victory since 1996 and first ever NIT win.
13. Drexel 65, Northern Iowa 63@ the DAC, March 2012. First ever 2-win postseason.
(‘11-12 season. 29-7, lost in CAA final to Virginia Commonwealth, lost in NIT quarterfinals to UMass.)
After being undisputedly one of the last teams left out of the NCAA Tournament, Drexel continued their mission for redemption. But this 11:00 am Sunday home game almost didn’t end well for the Dragons. The first half saw Drexel’s lead grow to 18 points. The margin had shrunk to 10 at halftime and Drexel allowed UNI to launch 14 three point shots in the second half. Ultimately, the Panthers hit 7 of those and UNI trailed 61-60 with 34.6 seconds remaining. Samme Givens hit a free throw and Damion Lee hit two more to take the Dragons up by 4 with 12.9 seconds to go. Another UNI three, followed by a free throw by Frantz Massenat, set the set for one final shot to win it for UNI. Their potential game winner hit the back of the rim as the buzzer sounded, advancing Drexel to the NIT quarterfinal round. Givens extended his senior season with a dominant 28 points (11 of 13 from the field), while Chris Fouch added 16.
Photo credit philahoops.com
After being undisputedly one of the last teams left out of the NCAA Tournament, Drexel continued their mission for redemption. But this 11:00 am Sunday home game almost didn’t end well for the Dragons. The first half saw Drexel’s lead grow to 18 points. The margin had shrunk to 10 at halftime and Drexel allowed UNI to launch 14 three point shots in the second half. Ultimately, the Panthers hit 7 of those and UNI trailed 61-60 with 34.6 seconds remaining. Samme Givens hit a free throw and Damion Lee hit two more to take the Dragons up by 4 with 12.9 seconds to go. Another UNI three, followed by a free throw by Frantz Massenat, set the set for one final shot to win it for UNI. Their potential game winner hit the back of the rim as the buzzer sounded, advancing Drexel to the NIT quarterfinal round. Givens extended his senior season with a dominant 28 points (11 of 13 from the field), while Chris Fouch added 16.
Photo credit philahoops.com
14. Drexel 69, @Temple 54, December 2006. Greatest month of DU Hoops.
(’06-07 season: 23-9, lost in first round of NIT to N.C. State at the DAC)
A Big 5 victory that may get lost in the great December 2006. "This," coach Bruiser Flint said, "ain't the Drexel of old." This game followed the win at Syracuse and showed that these Dragons would not let down. The Dragons broke open a close game with a 16-4 run midway through the second half. An Oveneke lay-up put Drexel up for good at 45-43. Mejia later added a three-pointer with 7 minutes to play to put the Dragons up 50-45. The Owls would not get within five points the rest of the way as the Dragons made 13 of their final 16 shots from the free-throw line to preserve the win. Elegar and Rodgers scored 13, Tribbett added 12 off the bench.
A Big 5 victory that may get lost in the great December 2006. "This," coach Bruiser Flint said, "ain't the Drexel of old." This game followed the win at Syracuse and showed that these Dragons would not let down. The Dragons broke open a close game with a 16-4 run midway through the second half. An Oveneke lay-up put Drexel up for good at 45-43. Mejia later added a three-pointer with 7 minutes to play to put the Dragons up 50-45. The Owls would not get within five points the rest of the way as the Dragons made 13 of their final 16 shots from the free-throw line to preserve the win. Elegar and Rodgers scored 13, Tribbett added 12 off the bench.
15. Drexel 71, Sam Houston State 62 @ the DAC, November 2005. NIT 2nd Round win.
('05-06 season. 15-16, lost in CAA first round to Delaware.)
I loved this game. Maybe one of the best crowds the DAC has ever had. A second round NIT game after we beat Princeton on the road in the first round. The NIT committee finally gave us a home game... the DAC was sold out, it was on ESPN2. A pretty close game until the second half when Drexel took control and ultimately won by 11, 72-61. This win got us to the Final 4 of the Preseason NIT in Madison Square Garden. The "We Want Duke!" chants at the end were classic.
I loved this game. Maybe one of the best crowds the DAC has ever had. A second round NIT game after we beat Princeton on the road in the first round. The NIT committee finally gave us a home game... the DAC was sold out, it was on ESPN2. A pretty close game until the second half when Drexel took control and ultimately won by 11, 72-61. This win got us to the Final 4 of the Preseason NIT in Madison Square Garden. The "We Want Duke!" chants at the end were classic.
16. (#12)Temple 61, Drexel 39 @ NCAA East Regional 1st Round, March 1994.
('93-94 season. 25-5. Won NAC, lost to Temple in NCAA 1st round.)
This was Drexel's first NCAA appearance since 1986. Despite being a blowout, it was still a game in the big tournament, which Brian thought was worthy of an 8th place vote. #4 seed Temple had big guns Eddie Jones and Aaron McKie, who dominated a timid #13 Drexel squad. The overmatched Dragons looked lost against that crazy John Chaney zone defense. The season ended with an RPI of 48 (highest in school history) and was a stepping stone for the following two years. This was our last game before graduation; a bunch of us were there (Landover, Md) having won tickets via a school lottery; and it was the final resting place for the "Green Horn".
This was Drexel's first NCAA appearance since 1986. Despite being a blowout, it was still a game in the big tournament, which Brian thought was worthy of an 8th place vote. #4 seed Temple had big guns Eddie Jones and Aaron McKie, who dominated a timid #13 Drexel squad. The overmatched Dragons looked lost against that crazy John Chaney zone defense. The season ended with an RPI of 48 (highest in school history) and was a stepping stone for the following two years. This was our last game before graduation; a bunch of us were there (Landover, Md) having won tickets via a school lottery; and it was the final resting place for the "Green Horn".
17. Delaware 67, Drexel 64 @ the PEAC, March 1993.
(’92-93 season. 22-7. Lost in NAC Championship game to Delaware.)
1993 North Atlantic Conference Championship game. A rematch of the 1992 game which was a Blue Hen blowout in Delaware, this time at the PEAC with Drexel as the #1 seed (Delaware was #3). First time a NAC Championship Game was held at Drexel. Delaware emerged from a very suspenseful (and heartbreaking) final 3 minutes with their second championship. Holden hit a trey to give the Dragons the lead, 64-62 with just under 3 minutes to go. A Delaware miss, a Drexel turnover led to a Delaware basket (Spencer Dunkley) to tie it at 64 with 1:11 left. Two more Drexel turnovers led to another Delaware lay-up (Brian Pearl) with 40 seconds left which ended up being the game winner. Holden played all 40 minutes, scoring 18; Wisler added 10 and Malik, as a freshman, pulled in 13 boards to go with 8 points. Rullo, Pearson and Overby added significant minutes.
1993 North Atlantic Conference Championship game. A rematch of the 1992 game which was a Blue Hen blowout in Delaware, this time at the PEAC with Drexel as the #1 seed (Delaware was #3). First time a NAC Championship Game was held at Drexel. Delaware emerged from a very suspenseful (and heartbreaking) final 3 minutes with their second championship. Holden hit a trey to give the Dragons the lead, 64-62 with just under 3 minutes to go. A Delaware miss, a Drexel turnover led to a Delaware basket (Spencer Dunkley) to tie it at 64 with 1:11 left. Two more Drexel turnovers led to another Delaware lay-up (Brian Pearl) with 40 seconds left which ended up being the game winner. Holden played all 40 minutes, scoring 18; Wisler added 10 and Malik, as a freshman, pulled in 13 boards to go with 8 points. Rullo, Pearson and Overby added significant minutes.
18. (#16)UCLA 57, Drexel 56 @ Madison Square Garden, November 2005.
('05-06 season. 15-16, lost in CAA first round to Delaware.)
It may seem like a stretch to vote for a Pre-season NIT 3rd place game especially a game that Drexel just gave away, but the national exposure for Drexel and the CAA was huge here and an opportunity to play a 16th ranked UCLA team at Madison Square Garden is a once-in-a-lifetime for the Dragons hoops program. The Dragons faced UCLA, one of the most storied programs in the NCAA and a team that would eventually reach the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, in the consolation round of the tournament on ESPN2. In a heartbreaker, UCLA’s Jordan Farmar sank a free throw with 0.8 seconds left, which capped a late-game rally as the Bruins defeated Drexel, 57-56. The Dragons, who led for most of the second half, held a five-point lead with 2:30 to play, but UCLA closed the contest with a 6-0 run. Mason was named to the All-Tournament team. Bruiser said afterward, "Playing in the NIT Season Tip-Off was a great opportunity for our program and for our players. We battled and held our own against some of the top teams in the nation."
It may seem like a stretch to vote for a Pre-season NIT 3rd place game especially a game that Drexel just gave away, but the national exposure for Drexel and the CAA was huge here and an opportunity to play a 16th ranked UCLA team at Madison Square Garden is a once-in-a-lifetime for the Dragons hoops program. The Dragons faced UCLA, one of the most storied programs in the NCAA and a team that would eventually reach the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, in the consolation round of the tournament on ESPN2. In a heartbreaker, UCLA’s Jordan Farmar sank a free throw with 0.8 seconds left, which capped a late-game rally as the Bruins defeated Drexel, 57-56. The Dragons, who led for most of the second half, held a five-point lead with 2:30 to play, but UCLA closed the contest with a 6-0 run. Mason was named to the All-Tournament team. Bruiser said afterward, "Playing in the NIT Season Tip-Off was a great opportunity for our program and for our players. We battled and held our own against some of the top teams in the nation."
19. Drexel 66, Penn 64 @ the DAC, November 2008. Big 5 victory. Penn 0-1 at the DAC.
(’08-09 season: 15-14, lost in first round on CAA)
Penn’s first visit to the DAC, after the first minute, Drexel never trailed. This was a 10:00am made for ESPN game, which started a 14 hour nationally televised ESPN marathon of opening tip off games through out the country. Billed as "The Battle of 33rd Street," the matchup was one of 14 games being played as part of ESPN's College Hoops Tip-off Marathon and started at 10 a.m. local time. ESPN aired a game from the DAC for the first time since the 1994-95 season, when the Dragons and Malik Rose defeated Northeastern in the North Atlantic Conference championship game. "You get riled up, you get ready, you get excited," Flint said. Drexel’s biggest lead was 7 in the second half and was a typical game that the outcome was never secure. It was close in the end as Penn hit a 3 with 14.7 remaining to pull within 2. As time ran down, Penn purposely missed a free throw with 4 seconds left, then got the offensive rebound but missed a buzzer beater to tie the game. Trey Hawthorne and Scott Rodgers each scored 13 to start their senior season with a big win. This was the first Big 5 team to visit the DAC since St. Joe’s during the 1992-93 season. "Finally, we got one in our building," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "Anybody that don't think that makes a difference, didn't watch the game today."
Penn’s first visit to the DAC, after the first minute, Drexel never trailed. This was a 10:00am made for ESPN game, which started a 14 hour nationally televised ESPN marathon of opening tip off games through out the country. Billed as "The Battle of 33rd Street," the matchup was one of 14 games being played as part of ESPN's College Hoops Tip-off Marathon and started at 10 a.m. local time. ESPN aired a game from the DAC for the first time since the 1994-95 season, when the Dragons and Malik Rose defeated Northeastern in the North Atlantic Conference championship game. "You get riled up, you get ready, you get excited," Flint said. Drexel’s biggest lead was 7 in the second half and was a typical game that the outcome was never secure. It was close in the end as Penn hit a 3 with 14.7 remaining to pull within 2. As time ran down, Penn purposely missed a free throw with 4 seconds left, then got the offensive rebound but missed a buzzer beater to tie the game. Trey Hawthorne and Scott Rodgers each scored 13 to start their senior season with a big win. This was the first Big 5 team to visit the DAC since St. Joe’s during the 1992-93 season. "Finally, we got one in our building," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "Anybody that don't think that makes a difference, didn't watch the game today."
20. Drexel 81, Hartford 62 @ the PEAC, February 1994. School records broken.
('93-94 season. 25-5. Won NAC, lost to Temple in NCAA 1st round.)
Mike Wisler makes school record 9 three-pointers and Malik had a school record 5 dunks. That's 37 pts from dunks and threes. I distinctly remember that 9th THREE from Wisler. It was from the baseline at the northeast corner of the court. "The nets were burnin' that day!". Both of these records still stand in 2011.
Mike Wisler makes school record 9 three-pointers and Malik had a school record 5 dunks. That's 37 pts from dunks and threes. I distinctly remember that 9th THREE from Wisler. It was from the baseline at the northeast corner of the court. "The nets were burnin' that day!". Both of these records still stand in 2011.
21. Drexel 82, @Delaware 76, February 1996. 22 point comeback win.
('95-96 season. 27-4. Advanced to Second Round of NCAA Tournament.)
Delaware held 22 point lead early in the second half, it was 53-31 with 17:04 to play. About two minutes later game seemed even more bleak asMalik picked up his fourth foul. ``I was frustrated and upset,'' said Rose, who went to the bench with his fourth personal with 14:41 to play. ``I wanted to come out more forceful in the second half. But when I got my third and fourth fouls, all I could do was lead the cheers. But I'm the leader of this team, and I knew I had to get it going.'' He truly did get it going. The Dragons held their own over the next five minutes, cutting the defecit to 15. Then Malik returned and ignited a 13-0 Drexel run, which cut Delaware's lead dramatically down to 66-64. After Delaware's starting center fouled out, Malik scored at will on his replacement. In one stretch, he scored 16 consecutive points for Drexel including a lean-in basket that gave the Dragons a 76-74 lArguably, the best comeback in Dragons' historyead with 3 minutes to play. Malik ended up played the final 9:30 of the game with those four fouls, scored 25 in the second half and finished with a game high 34 points.
VIDEO courtesy JB. Credit Pat Delsi/Bill Herrion Show
Delaware held 22 point lead early in the second half, it was 53-31 with 17:04 to play. About two minutes later game seemed even more bleak asMalik picked up his fourth foul. ``I was frustrated and upset,'' said Rose, who went to the bench with his fourth personal with 14:41 to play. ``I wanted to come out more forceful in the second half. But when I got my third and fourth fouls, all I could do was lead the cheers. But I'm the leader of this team, and I knew I had to get it going.'' He truly did get it going. The Dragons held their own over the next five minutes, cutting the defecit to 15. Then Malik returned and ignited a 13-0 Drexel run, which cut Delaware's lead dramatically down to 66-64. After Delaware's starting center fouled out, Malik scored at will on his replacement. In one stretch, he scored 16 consecutive points for Drexel including a lean-in basket that gave the Dragons a 76-74 lArguably, the best comeback in Dragons' historyead with 3 minutes to play. Malik ended up played the final 9:30 of the game with those four fouls, scored 25 in the second half and finished with a game high 34 points.
VIDEO courtesy JB. Credit Pat Delsi/Bill Herrion Show
22. Drexel 72, Towson 71, February 1998. Linderman punched, DeRocckis led comeback.
('97-98 season. 13-15. Lost to Boston U. in America East semi-final)
Regular season America East game against Towson in 1998, after Derick Newton punched Joe Linderman in the face and severly cut his chin. At the time of the incident, Drexel was trailing by 16 points with 4:52 to go, and Mike DeRocckis couldn't buy a shot all night. After Newton's ejection, and Linderman left the game, DeRocckis scored 22 points including 5 3-pointers. Drexel was trailing by 1 and had the ball in the closing seconds when DeRocckis was fouled with 1 second left. It was not a shooting foul and Drexel was only in the single bonus, so he needed to make both ends of a 1 and 1 for Drexel to win. If DeRocckis misses the 1st free throw, Drexel loses the game. As a result, he made both ends of the 1 and 1, he ends the game with 27 points, and leads Drexel to a 25-8 run in the final 4:52 for an impossible 72-71 win. Granted, watching the replay of that game, it was pretty clear that the refs were doing everything they could to give Drexel the chance to win the game, but based on the circumstances and the emotion of Linderman's injury and Newton's ejection, it was clearly one of greatest individual performances in school history. Making the comeback even more improbable is that starting point guard Bryant Coursey was suspended indefinately, earlier in the day, by coach Bill Herrion.
See the final 5 minutes at Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and the post-game interviews at Part 1, Part 2.
Regular season America East game against Towson in 1998, after Derick Newton punched Joe Linderman in the face and severly cut his chin. At the time of the incident, Drexel was trailing by 16 points with 4:52 to go, and Mike DeRocckis couldn't buy a shot all night. After Newton's ejection, and Linderman left the game, DeRocckis scored 22 points including 5 3-pointers. Drexel was trailing by 1 and had the ball in the closing seconds when DeRocckis was fouled with 1 second left. It was not a shooting foul and Drexel was only in the single bonus, so he needed to make both ends of a 1 and 1 for Drexel to win. If DeRocckis misses the 1st free throw, Drexel loses the game. As a result, he made both ends of the 1 and 1, he ends the game with 27 points, and leads Drexel to a 25-8 run in the final 4:52 for an impossible 72-71 win. Granted, watching the replay of that game, it was pretty clear that the refs were doing everything they could to give Drexel the chance to win the game, but based on the circumstances and the emotion of Linderman's injury and Newton's ejection, it was clearly one of greatest individual performances in school history. Making the comeback even more improbable is that starting point guard Bryant Coursey was suspended indefinately, earlier in the day, by coach Bill Herrion.
See the final 5 minutes at Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and the post-game interviews at Part 1, Part 2.
23. Drexel 66, @Virginia Commonwealth 64, January 2005. Bashir’s Buzzer Beater.
('04-05 season. 17-11, lost in CAA semi-finals to Hofstra, lost in NIT first round.)
After a go ahead 3 pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining, VCU led 64-63 and figured to have the game in the bag. After a Drexel timeout, Danny Hinds threw a baseball-style inbounds pass down the left sideline to Bashir Mason, who dribbled twice as he ran toward Drexel’s basket. Bashir heaved a running 35 footer with only his left hand. The ball reached its peak as time expired. It hit the backboard and banged through the rim for an improbable two point Drexel win in Richmond. The Dragons erupted off the bench and Mason celebrated it by ripping off his jersey and jumping onto the scorers table in front of the VCU student section. Earlier in the game, VCU led by 3 at halftime. Drexel fired off a 10-0 run midway through the second half to lead by 5. The lead changed hands seven times over the final several minutes of the game in a classic between these CAA rivals. Sean Brooks had 21 points and 6 rebounds, leading Drexel in both categories. Danny Hinds scored 16 and hit 3 of 4 from behind the arc. The game winning shot was the big news of the day as it earned #1 on SportsCenter’s Top Plays the next morning.
Philly.com article, Video 1, Video 2.
After a go ahead 3 pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining, VCU led 64-63 and figured to have the game in the bag. After a Drexel timeout, Danny Hinds threw a baseball-style inbounds pass down the left sideline to Bashir Mason, who dribbled twice as he ran toward Drexel’s basket. Bashir heaved a running 35 footer with only his left hand. The ball reached its peak as time expired. It hit the backboard and banged through the rim for an improbable two point Drexel win in Richmond. The Dragons erupted off the bench and Mason celebrated it by ripping off his jersey and jumping onto the scorers table in front of the VCU student section. Earlier in the game, VCU led by 3 at halftime. Drexel fired off a 10-0 run midway through the second half to lead by 5. The lead changed hands seven times over the final several minutes of the game in a classic between these CAA rivals. Sean Brooks had 21 points and 6 rebounds, leading Drexel in both categories. Danny Hinds scored 16 and hit 3 of 4 from behind the arc. The game winning shot was the big news of the day as it earned #1 on SportsCenter’s Top Plays the next morning.
Philly.com article, Video 1, Video 2.
24. Drexel 97, Maine 79 @ the PEAC, March 1992.
(’91-92 season. 16-14, NAC Runner up)
1992 North Atlantic Conference semi-final game. With a 9-5 regular season in the America East during Bill Herrion's first season as Head Coach, the Dragons earned a surprising #2 seed in the North Atlantic Conference Tourney. Drexel survived a quarterfinal game against New Hampshire, setting the stage a semifinal matchup vs. #3 seed Maine. Drexel had beaten Maine twice that season, by only a combined 7 points. I don't remember a lot about this game but I sort of remember us feeling like an underdog going into it, despite the seeding and records. It was a dominant Dragons effort with guards Michael Thompson, Clarence Armstrong and forwards Jonathon Raab, Matt Attar (a.k.a. "Lerch") leading the way. The atmosphere was good but only a precursor to future games during the Herrion era. I admit that this is where the obsession began.
1992 North Atlantic Conference semi-final game. With a 9-5 regular season in the America East during Bill Herrion's first season as Head Coach, the Dragons earned a surprising #2 seed in the North Atlantic Conference Tourney. Drexel survived a quarterfinal game against New Hampshire, setting the stage a semifinal matchup vs. #3 seed Maine. Drexel had beaten Maine twice that season, by only a combined 7 points. I don't remember a lot about this game but I sort of remember us feeling like an underdog going into it, despite the seeding and records. It was a dominant Dragons effort with guards Michael Thompson, Clarence Armstrong and forwards Jonathon Raab, Matt Attar (a.k.a. "Lerch") leading the way. The atmosphere was good but only a precursor to future games during the Herrion era. I admit that this is where the obsession began.
25. (#14)Oklahoma State 73, Drexel 49 in NCAA East Regional First Round, March 1995.
('94-95 season. 22-8. Won NAC, lost to Oklahoma State in NCAA 1st round.)
Second consecutive trip to the big dance. Just as lopsided as the first. Malik held his own against Bryant "Big Country" Reeves by scoring 17 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, but the #4 seed Cowboys were too much for the #13 Dragons. Oklahoma State ultimately advanced to the Final Four. Any tournament game is a great game in my opinion.
Second consecutive trip to the big dance. Just as lopsided as the first. Malik held his own against Bryant "Big Country" Reeves by scoring 17 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, but the #4 seed Cowboys were too much for the #13 Dragons. Oklahoma State ultimately advanced to the Final Four. Any tournament game is a great game in my opinion.
26. Drexel 57, Saint Joseph's 49 @ Palestra, November 2004. First win over the Hawks in this era.
('04-05 season. 17-11, lost in CAA semi-finals to Hofstra, lost in NIT first round.)
Big 5 victory as part of the Big 5 classic. St. Joe's had advance to the NCAA Elite 8 a year earlier and nearly had an undefeated regular season record. First recent victory over the Hawks.
Big 5 victory as part of the Big 5 classic. St. Joe's had advance to the NCAA Elite 8 a year earlier and nearly had an undefeated regular season record. First recent victory over the Hawks.
27. Drexel 95, @Hofstra 87 OT, February 2007.
(’06-07 season. 23-9. Lost to North Carolina State in NIT First Round @ DAC.)
"The grittiest performance I’ve ever seen," declared CN8 TV announcer, Scott Graham. The Dragons never led in regulation, but Mejia hit a clutch basket with 1.6 second left in the game to tie it at 78 and send it into overtime. A Crawford free throw and a pair of Elegar baskets gave the Dragons the first five points of the overtime. Hofstra would get within 2 with 1:11 remaining but Drexel hit 10 of 12 free throws to seal the win and end Hofstra's 28 game regular season home winning streak. Elegar finished with 26 points, Mejia 25, Hawthorne 14 and Mason had 14 pts before fouling out with just under 6 minutes left in regulation.
"The grittiest performance I’ve ever seen," declared CN8 TV announcer, Scott Graham. The Dragons never led in regulation, but Mejia hit a clutch basket with 1.6 second left in the game to tie it at 78 and send it into overtime. A Crawford free throw and a pair of Elegar baskets gave the Dragons the first five points of the overtime. Hofstra would get within 2 with 1:11 remaining but Drexel hit 10 of 12 free throws to seal the win and end Hofstra's 28 game regular season home winning streak. Elegar finished with 26 points, Mejia 25, Hawthorne 14 and Mason had 14 pts before fouling out with just under 6 minutes left in regulation.
28. Drexel 60, George Mason 53 @ the DAC, January 2012. Sellout, Lee takes over.
(‘11-12 season. 29-7, lost in CAA final to Virginia Commonwealth, lost in NIT quarterfinals to UMass.)
In a second straight sellout at the DAC (VCU came to town and sold out just 4 days prior), Drexel struggled early, trailing by as many as 6 in the first half and were down 27-22 at half. The Dragons were stronger in the second half, tying the score at 30 and 34, but still trailed 42-38 with 8:24 remaining. Then, Damion Lee took over. Lee scored 7 points in the next 3 minutes to tie it again, this time at 47. But the real fireworks began with 5 minutes to go when Lee stole the ball and made a nifty behind the back move to get free for a three pointer from the right wing. At this point Lee was in a groove, Frantz Massenat fed him the ball on the next two possesions at nearly the same spot and Lee hit 2 more threes, to give Drexel a 5 point lead force GMU to call timeout with 2:56 remaining. The DAC went nuts after that 3rd straight three, and the Dragons controlled the rest of the game, despite GMU getting the lead down to 3 with under a minute to play. Lee finished with 21, Massenat had 12 points and Samme Givens pulled in 10 rebounds. After the game, Perhaps more notable than any numbers was the record turnout by the DAC Pack. This may have been the best atmosphere at a Drexel home game ever. Lee acknowledged the presence and the impact of the DAC Pack. “I knew that if we get the crowd involved, it would be harder for (GMU) to score and then we could come down and take advantage,” Lee said, adding the crowd felt “great. I haven’t been on that many road (trips), but when I was on my visits, Drexel hands down has the best crowd in the CAA.” Photo credit philahoops.com
In a second straight sellout at the DAC (VCU came to town and sold out just 4 days prior), Drexel struggled early, trailing by as many as 6 in the first half and were down 27-22 at half. The Dragons were stronger in the second half, tying the score at 30 and 34, but still trailed 42-38 with 8:24 remaining. Then, Damion Lee took over. Lee scored 7 points in the next 3 minutes to tie it again, this time at 47. But the real fireworks began with 5 minutes to go when Lee stole the ball and made a nifty behind the back move to get free for a three pointer from the right wing. At this point Lee was in a groove, Frantz Massenat fed him the ball on the next two possesions at nearly the same spot and Lee hit 2 more threes, to give Drexel a 5 point lead force GMU to call timeout with 2:56 remaining. The DAC went nuts after that 3rd straight three, and the Dragons controlled the rest of the game, despite GMU getting the lead down to 3 with under a minute to play. Lee finished with 21, Massenat had 12 points and Samme Givens pulled in 10 rebounds. After the game, Perhaps more notable than any numbers was the record turnout by the DAC Pack. This may have been the best atmosphere at a Drexel home game ever. Lee acknowledged the presence and the impact of the DAC Pack. “I knew that if we get the crowd involved, it would be harder for (GMU) to score and then we could come down and take advantage,” Lee said, adding the crowd felt “great. I haven’t been on that many road (trips), but when I was on my visits, Drexel hands down has the best crowd in the CAA.” Photo credit philahoops.com
29. Drexel 62, Saint Joseph's 50 @ DAC, December 2010. Big 5 Victory
('10-11 season. 21-10, lost in CAA quarterfinals to Virginia Commonwelth.)
Daryl McCoy scored 15 points and added 18 rebounds in front of a full house at the DAC to help Drexel beat St. Joseph's on the Dragons home court for the first time in school history. The last time the Hawks had travelled to Drexel was back in 1992 when the building was named the PEAC. Chris Fouch added 17 and Samme Gives chipped in 10 rebounds despite being limited by foul trouble. Drexel finished the first half on a 9-2 run and entered the break with a 3 point advantage. Frantz Massenat dished out 9 assists and help seal the game with a big dunk to run the score to 49-36. McCoy dominated the game inside the entire night. His 18 rebounds were the most for a Drexel player in a game since Malik Rose had 19 in the North Atlantic Championship game in 1996.
Daryl McCoy scored 15 points and added 18 rebounds in front of a full house at the DAC to help Drexel beat St. Joseph's on the Dragons home court for the first time in school history. The last time the Hawks had travelled to Drexel was back in 1992 when the building was named the PEAC. Chris Fouch added 17 and Samme Gives chipped in 10 rebounds despite being limited by foul trouble. Drexel finished the first half on a 9-2 run and entered the break with a 3 point advantage. Frantz Massenat dished out 9 assists and help seal the game with a big dunk to run the score to 49-36. McCoy dominated the game inside the entire night. His 18 rebounds were the most for a Drexel player in a game since Malik Rose had 19 in the North Atlantic Championship game in 1996.
30. Massachusetts 72, Drexel 70 @ the DAC, March 2012. NIT Quarterfinal.
(‘11-12 season. 29-7, lost in CAA semi-finals to Virginia Commonwealth, lost in NIT quarterfinals to UMass.)
The NIT bracket could not have shaken out any better for Drexel. As the 3rd seed in an 8 team bracket, the first home game was a guarantee. But a #7 upset gave the Dragons a second home game vs. UNI. Next, UMass the #5 seed pulled an upset of the top seed setting up the UMass vs. Drexel matchup at the DAC with the winner advancing to New York City and the NIT Final Four. Good fortune continued for Drexel early, building a lead of more than 10 points for most of the first half after opening on a 9-0 run. The lead extended to 17 in the first four minutes of the second half. But the magic seemed to fade after that. The Minutemen score the next 9 points as part of a 14-2 run. UMass continued to dominate and took the lead with still 7:22 left in the game. The Dragons stayed close but trailed 72-70 with under a minute to go. A frantic series on the Drexel offensive end resulted in a Daryl McCoy miss and a Samme Givens put back that rimmed out before losing possession. Still, a foul and a missed UMass free throw kept the game tight and gave the ball back to the Dragons again. This time Frantz Massenat couldn’t hit a layup to tie and the Dragons season ends with a school record 29 victories. Dartaye Ruffin had 17 points, all in the first half. Massenat had 16 points, but missed 6 free throws. Samme Givens ended his great career in blue and gold with a double-double of 12 and 10. “I’m disappointed we lost, but I’m not disappointed in the way we played,” said Givens, “We played hard. We fought. Our last game, and that’s how it should be. If it’s not a win, at least we went down fighting. A nail-biter down to the last shot.”
The NIT bracket could not have shaken out any better for Drexel. As the 3rd seed in an 8 team bracket, the first home game was a guarantee. But a #7 upset gave the Dragons a second home game vs. UNI. Next, UMass the #5 seed pulled an upset of the top seed setting up the UMass vs. Drexel matchup at the DAC with the winner advancing to New York City and the NIT Final Four. Good fortune continued for Drexel early, building a lead of more than 10 points for most of the first half after opening on a 9-0 run. The lead extended to 17 in the first four minutes of the second half. But the magic seemed to fade after that. The Minutemen score the next 9 points as part of a 14-2 run. UMass continued to dominate and took the lead with still 7:22 left in the game. The Dragons stayed close but trailed 72-70 with under a minute to go. A frantic series on the Drexel offensive end resulted in a Daryl McCoy miss and a Samme Givens put back that rimmed out before losing possession. Still, a foul and a missed UMass free throw kept the game tight and gave the ball back to the Dragons again. This time Frantz Massenat couldn’t hit a layup to tie and the Dragons season ends with a school record 29 victories. Dartaye Ruffin had 17 points, all in the first half. Massenat had 16 points, but missed 6 free throws. Samme Givens ended his great career in blue and gold with a double-double of 12 and 10. “I’m disappointed we lost, but I’m not disappointed in the way we played,” said Givens, “We played hard. We fought. Our last game, and that’s how it should be. If it’s not a win, at least we went down fighting. A nail-biter down to the last shot.”
31. North Carolina State 63, Drexel 56 @ the DAC, March 2007. 1st Round NIT game.
(’06-07 season. 23-9. Lost to North Carolina State in NIT First Round @ DAC.)
This game represented the first ever post-season NIT game on campus and the first time an ACC school ever played at the DAC.
The Dragons felt snubbed by the NCAA after a historic season, and they opened the game by winning the tip and an Elegar two handed dunk exactly 8 seconds later. Several minutes later, Mejia pump-faked at the 3-point line, went underneath the basket for a reverse layup that made it 10-1, and making a statement to the Selection Committee. Another early highlight was a Chaz Crawford steal at midcourt and a fast break finished with a layup for a 15-4 lead. The sold-out DAC provided the energy and the Wolfpack were stunned early. ``It was like a high school gym,'' an NC State player said. ``It took awhile for us to get started.''
The Dragons maintained a lead through the first half with a 28-26 lead at the break. NC State took their first lead early in the 2nd half at 36-35. However, Mejia hit a 3 and Bashir Mason scored off a turnover to help Drexel regain the lead, 42-41, a few minutes later. Following two missed free throws at 2:30 and the Dragons trailing by 1, NC State began to put this one away. A free throw, a layup and another free throw, clinched the win for the Wolfpack. ``If we make the foul shots, I think we've got the game,'' Flint said. Elegar led Drexel with 23, but was only 4 of 12 from the free throw line. Mejia added 11 in his final collegiate game, ironically against the team he played for as a freshman.
This game represented the first ever post-season NIT game on campus and the first time an ACC school ever played at the DAC.
The Dragons felt snubbed by the NCAA after a historic season, and they opened the game by winning the tip and an Elegar two handed dunk exactly 8 seconds later. Several minutes later, Mejia pump-faked at the 3-point line, went underneath the basket for a reverse layup that made it 10-1, and making a statement to the Selection Committee. Another early highlight was a Chaz Crawford steal at midcourt and a fast break finished with a layup for a 15-4 lead. The sold-out DAC provided the energy and the Wolfpack were stunned early. ``It was like a high school gym,'' an NC State player said. ``It took awhile for us to get started.''
The Dragons maintained a lead through the first half with a 28-26 lead at the break. NC State took their first lead early in the 2nd half at 36-35. However, Mejia hit a 3 and Bashir Mason scored off a turnover to help Drexel regain the lead, 42-41, a few minutes later. Following two missed free throws at 2:30 and the Dragons trailing by 1, NC State began to put this one away. A free throw, a layup and another free throw, clinched the win for the Wolfpack. ``If we make the foul shots, I think we've got the game,'' Flint said. Elegar led Drexel with 23, but was only 4 of 12 from the free throw line. Mejia added 11 in his final collegiate game, ironically against the team he played for as a freshman.
32. Drexel 64, Saint Joseph's 52 @ Palestra, December 2008. Big 5 victory.
(’08-09 season: 15-14, lost in first round of CAA)
On New Year’s Eve 2008, Scott Rodgers led the Dragons scoring 18 points with 8 rebounds and Drexel used two second-half runs and a first-half spurt to put away Saint Joseph's. Leading 35-30 with 15:48 left, the Dragons went on an 11-4 run, then, after a Hawk free throw, scored 12 of the next 14 points to lead 58-37 at the 3:58 mark. Saint Joseph's went on a 15-1 run to close within 59-52 with 32 seconds left, but could get no closer. The Hawks used an early 10-0 run to take a 20-9 advantage, and led 26-16 with four minutes left in the first half. Jamie Harris, who finished with 16 points, then sparked a 16-2 run and hit a 30-footer at the halftime buzzer that gave Drexel a 30-28 advantage at the break. Leon Spencer added 9 points hitting both of his shots from the field and going a perfect 5 for 5 from the line.
On New Year’s Eve 2008, Scott Rodgers led the Dragons scoring 18 points with 8 rebounds and Drexel used two second-half runs and a first-half spurt to put away Saint Joseph's. Leading 35-30 with 15:48 left, the Dragons went on an 11-4 run, then, after a Hawk free throw, scored 12 of the next 14 points to lead 58-37 at the 3:58 mark. Saint Joseph's went on a 15-1 run to close within 59-52 with 32 seconds left, but could get no closer. The Hawks used an early 10-0 run to take a 20-9 advantage, and led 26-16 with four minutes left in the first half. Jamie Harris, who finished with 16 points, then sparked a 16-2 run and hit a 30-footer at the halftime buzzer that gave Drexel a 30-28 advantage at the break. Leon Spencer added 9 points hitting both of his shots from the field and going a perfect 5 for 5 from the line.
33. Drexel 72, Saint Joseph's 56 @ Palestra, December 2006. Start of the Big December.
(’06-07 season: 23-9, lost in first round of NIT to N.C. State at the DAC)
The Dragons dominated this game from the outset with a 21-2 run to take an early 25-9 lead. In the second half a 14-3 Drexel run extended the lead to 20 with just under 10 minutes to play. Elegar scored 23 points with 13 rebounds, Mejia had 19, while Crawford had 8 boards and swatted away 7 of the Dragons 13 blocked shots. This game was a precursor to December 2006 - the greatest month in DU men's basketball history.
The Dragons dominated this game from the outset with a 21-2 run to take an early 25-9 lead. In the second half a 14-3 Drexel run extended the lead to 20 with just under 10 minutes to play. Elegar scored 23 points with 13 rebounds, Mejia had 19, while Crawford had 8 boards and swatted away 7 of the Dragons 13 blocked shots. This game was a precursor to December 2006 - the greatest month in DU men's basketball history.
34. Drexel 67, @Penn 59 OT, November 2007. 4th straight Big 5 victory.
(’07-08 season: 12-20, lost in first round on CAA)
Drexel’s 4th straight Big Five win, opened the 07-08 season. It also marked a sweep of the Big 5 (we beat Villanova, St. Joe's and Temple during the previous December. Since LaSalle won't play us, call it a sweep.) The Dragons never trailed in the game, with Penn tying the score for the first time in the game at 52 with a layup after an offensive rebound as time expired. Drexel opened the OT with a 3 by Gerald Colds, but Penn tied it again at 57. Drexel dominated from there and pulled away for the win. Hawthorne and Colds each scored 18, Elegar with 14 pts and 11 boards.
Drexel’s 4th straight Big Five win, opened the 07-08 season. It also marked a sweep of the Big 5 (we beat Villanova, St. Joe's and Temple during the previous December. Since LaSalle won't play us, call it a sweep.) The Dragons never trailed in the game, with Penn tying the score for the first time in the game at 52 with a layup after an offensive rebound as time expired. Drexel opened the OT with a 3 by Gerald Colds, but Penn tied it again at 57. Drexel dominated from there and pulled away for the win. Hawthorne and Colds each scored 18, Elegar with 14 pts and 11 boards.
35. Drexel 57, Maine 55 @ PEAC, February 1992. Senior Day C. Armstrong Buzzer-beater.
(’91-92 season. 16-14, NAC Runner up)
"C" buried a near half court shot to win it at the buzzer in his last regular season home game. This win also clinched the #2 seed in the NAC tourney, which would be pivotal as #3 seed Maine, was forced to return to Philadelphia in the tourney semi-final round, the following week. (The rematch was not as close as this game.)
"C" buried a near half court shot to win it at the buzzer in his last regular season home game. This win also clinched the #2 seed in the NAC tourney, which would be pivotal as #3 seed Maine, was forced to return to Philadelphia in the tourney semi-final round, the following week. (The rematch was not as close as this game.)
36. Drexel 100, George Mason 69 @ the DAC, January 2002. "Cheesesteak Massacre"
The Dragons handed the Patriots their worst CAA loss in 8 years, by using a barrage of 3 pointers. In fact, the Dragons hit 16 treys, setting a team record for most in a game. Tim Whitworth led the way 7 of 12 from beyond the arc and racking up a game high 38 pts. Eric Schmeider and Danny Hinds each nailed three 3 point shots scoring 23 and 15 points respectively. Sean Brooks played a solid first half as Robert Battle was limited by early fouls. But it was Jay Overcash's banked in 3 pointer in 2 minutes of garbage time that set off the "Cheesesteak Massacre" as time ran down. The big crowd on Family Weekend went nuts in celebration of a dominant victory and in anticipation of the Abner’s treats. http://articles.philly.com/2002-01-27/sports/25343601_1_daskalakis-athletic-center-phil-goss-dragons
37. Drexel 68, Old Dominion 51, @ Richmond Coliseum, March 2012. CAA Semi-final win.
(‘11-12 season. 29-7, lost in CAA final to Virginia Commonwealth, lost in NIT quarterfinals to UMass.)
Drexel returned to the CAA Semi-finals in 2012 after a narrow and controversial defeat in the same game against VCU a year earlier. Coming into the game, a closely contested game could have been predicted, especially with Derrick Thomas unavailable due to a suspension for the entire CAA Tournament. This time Drexel would not allow the officials to get in the way of advancing to the CAA final. The Dragons came out and dominated this game from beginning to end, despite a very close game against Old Dominion just 7 days prior. Drexel scored the first nine points of the game and led by double digits for nearly the entire second half. ODU got to within 8 with just under 8 minutes left in the game, but could get no closer as time ran down. This would be the final win in Drexel’s school record 19 game winning streak and it was a total team effort. Frantz Massenat led the way with 20 points, Damion Lee had 17, Chris Fouch scored 16 and Samme Givens had a double-double with 12 points, 12 boards. Photo credit the Virginian Pilot
Drexel returned to the CAA Semi-finals in 2012 after a narrow and controversial defeat in the same game against VCU a year earlier. Coming into the game, a closely contested game could have been predicted, especially with Derrick Thomas unavailable due to a suspension for the entire CAA Tournament. This time Drexel would not allow the officials to get in the way of advancing to the CAA final. The Dragons came out and dominated this game from beginning to end, despite a very close game against Old Dominion just 7 days prior. Drexel scored the first nine points of the game and led by double digits for nearly the entire second half. ODU got to within 8 with just under 8 minutes left in the game, but could get no closer as time ran down. This would be the final win in Drexel’s school record 19 game winning streak and it was a total team effort. Frantz Massenat led the way with 20 points, Damion Lee had 17, Chris Fouch scored 16 and Samme Givens had a double-double with 12 points, 12 boards. Photo credit the Virginian Pilot
38. Drexel 77, @Penn 56, November 2010. "Last" game of rivalry series.
('10-11 season. 21-10, lost in CAA quarterfinals to Virginia Commonwelth.)
Drexel opened the season with a lack of depth, a young squad and the unknown reaction to losing Jamie Harris and Kevin Phillip in the offseason. This game would be the first test for how this team would respond. They responded by dominating a less athletic Quaker team. Penn did take an early 16-10 lead, but the Dragons' rebounding advantage (42 to 19) took over from that point. Drexel began the second half with an 11-0 run to increase the lead to 16 points. Thomas nailed a three with 14:34 to play to put the Dragons up 49-33. Penn never got closer than 14 points the rest of the way. Chris Fouch and Derrick Thomas combined for 49 points; Fouch had a game-high 26, Thomas had 23. Dartaye Ruffin made a big impact as a freshman with 12 points and 11 rebounds. It marks Drexel's fourth straight win against the Quakers. . At the time, this game is reportedly the last Penn-Drexel game for the near future as both schools are at a standoff regarding the location of future games. Penn’s refusal to play at the DAC coupled with Drexel’s refusal to play their “home” game at the Palestra could freeze this great rivalry.
Drexel opened the season with a lack of depth, a young squad and the unknown reaction to losing Jamie Harris and Kevin Phillip in the offseason. This game would be the first test for how this team would respond. They responded by dominating a less athletic Quaker team. Penn did take an early 16-10 lead, but the Dragons' rebounding advantage (42 to 19) took over from that point. Drexel began the second half with an 11-0 run to increase the lead to 16 points. Thomas nailed a three with 14:34 to play to put the Dragons up 49-33. Penn never got closer than 14 points the rest of the way. Chris Fouch and Derrick Thomas combined for 49 points; Fouch had a game-high 26, Thomas had 23. Dartaye Ruffin made a big impact as a freshman with 12 points and 11 rebounds. It marks Drexel's fourth straight win against the Quakers. . At the time, this game is reportedly the last Penn-Drexel game for the near future as both schools are at a standoff regarding the location of future games. Penn’s refusal to play at the DAC coupled with Drexel’s refusal to play their “home” game at the Palestra could freeze this great rivalry.
39. Drexel 72, @LaSalle 70, December 2017. Big 5 Victory.
('17-18 season. In progress)
After a 15 year hiatus from Gola Arena, Dragons came out victorious in 2015. Returning now in 2017, the Dragons had a chance to win 2 straight at 20th and Olney for the first time ever. Drexel started very strong, jumping out to an early 12-4 lead, and pushed it to a 43-30 advantage at the half. Playing with out leading scorer, Tramaine Isabell, the Dargons used a team effort with just 7 players seeing the court. That 13 pt lead would be the Dragons biggest of the game and with 5:58 left in the game LaSalle had cut the lead to 8. Explorers would ultimately climb to within 2 points several time but never did take the lead. They missed a potential game winning 3 at the buzzer as Drexel escaped with a victory having led the entire game. Sammy Mojica (19 pts) and Kurk Lee (23 pts) played all 40 minutes. Austin Williams continued his strong season recording 16 points, 7 rebounds and a blocked shot before fouling out in the final minute. This is the first city win by second year coach Zach Spiker, having gone 0-3 last year vs. LaSalle, St. Josephs and Penn. This would also be Spiker's first A-10 win at the helm of the Dragons.
('17-18 season. In progress)
After a 15 year hiatus from Gola Arena, Dragons came out victorious in 2015. Returning now in 2017, the Dragons had a chance to win 2 straight at 20th and Olney for the first time ever. Drexel started very strong, jumping out to an early 12-4 lead, and pushed it to a 43-30 advantage at the half. Playing with out leading scorer, Tramaine Isabell, the Dargons used a team effort with just 7 players seeing the court. That 13 pt lead would be the Dragons biggest of the game and with 5:58 left in the game LaSalle had cut the lead to 8. Explorers would ultimately climb to within 2 points several time but never did take the lead. They missed a potential game winning 3 at the buzzer as Drexel escaped with a victory having led the entire game. Sammy Mojica (19 pts) and Kurk Lee (23 pts) played all 40 minutes. Austin Williams continued his strong season recording 16 points, 7 rebounds and a blocked shot before fouling out in the final minute. This is the first city win by second year coach Zach Spiker, having gone 0-3 last year vs. LaSalle, St. Josephs and Penn. This would also be Spiker's first A-10 win at the helm of the Dragons.
39. Drexel 66, @LaSalle 53, December 2015. Big 5 Victory.
('15-16 season. In progress)
Dragons hadn't been invited to Gola High School Arena in 15 years. After a 10 point lost the prior season and with the Dragons entering the game with an 0-6 record, this game did not look promising prior to the tip. However, LaSalle played an uninspired first half allowing Drexel to take a 37-31 halftime lead. Tavon Allen provided the early spark with back to back 3 pointers, giving Drexel its first lead of the game and extending that lead to 26-22 with 5 minutes left in the first half. Despite a charge by LaSalle early in the second half to tie the game at 43, Drexel would then go on an 17-4 run over a 10 minute span to extend the lead to where LaSalle would not threaten again. Led by what may be considered Tavon Allen's best game as a Dragon (25 pts, 3-3 from 3pt, 8-8 FT) and a solid game by Rodney Williams (14 pts, 13 rebs, 6-6 FT). Rashann London added 12 pts and Terrell Allen continued his excellent freshman season with 9 pts.
('15-16 season. In progress)
Dragons hadn't been invited to Gola High School Arena in 15 years. After a 10 point lost the prior season and with the Dragons entering the game with an 0-6 record, this game did not look promising prior to the tip. However, LaSalle played an uninspired first half allowing Drexel to take a 37-31 halftime lead. Tavon Allen provided the early spark with back to back 3 pointers, giving Drexel its first lead of the game and extending that lead to 26-22 with 5 minutes left in the first half. Despite a charge by LaSalle early in the second half to tie the game at 43, Drexel would then go on an 17-4 run over a 10 minute span to extend the lead to where LaSalle would not threaten again. Led by what may be considered Tavon Allen's best game as a Dragon (25 pts, 3-3 from 3pt, 8-8 FT) and a solid game by Rodney Williams (14 pts, 13 rebs, 6-6 FT). Rashann London added 12 pts and Terrell Allen continued his excellent freshman season with 9 pts.
39. Drexel 58, @Penn 52, January 1997. First game of renewed series.
('96-97 season: 22-9 America East Runner up, NIT)
First game in a renewed Drexel-Penn rivalry. These neighbors hadn’t played since 1988 (a Drexel win). The two teams would go on to play every year, after this one, in a series that appears to have come to a halt in 2010-11. A balanced Dragon attack led by Joe Linderman with 14 pts 9 rebs, followed by Mike DeRocckis with 13 pts, J Myers and Chuck Guittar with 11 each. Drexel led 31-23 and held solid through the second half to bring home a 6 point victory. This would be Drexel’s first Big 5 victory since 1988. Did Penn wait until after Malik graduated to revive this series, in hope of starting with a win?
First game in a renewed Drexel-Penn rivalry. These neighbors hadn’t played since 1988 (a Drexel win). The two teams would go on to play every year, after this one, in a series that appears to have come to a halt in 2010-11. A balanced Dragon attack led by Joe Linderman with 14 pts 9 rebs, followed by Mike DeRocckis with 13 pts, J Myers and Chuck Guittar with 11 each. Drexel led 31-23 and held solid through the second half to bring home a 6 point victory. This would be Drexel’s first Big 5 victory since 1988. Did Penn wait until after Malik graduated to revive this series, in hope of starting with a win?
40. Drexel 80, @William & Mary 66, February 2015. Magnificent 7 beat CAA's top seed.
('14-15 season. 11-19. Lost to College of Charleston in the CAA opening round (pillow fight).)
The Drexel active roster had recently been trimmed to just 7 seven healthy players, after Damion Lee broke his hand and Sammy Mojica sprained his knee. The loss of a prolific scorer and an emerging complimentary player, had the Dragons riding a four game losing skid entering this contest. The Tribe needed a win for the outright CAA regular season title and it seemed easily within reach on their home court on Senior Night against the depleted Dragons. But this was not the day for the expected. Drexel jumped out with a monstrous first half commanding a 37-21 lead at the break. The Dragons shot 50% FG including 7 for 12 from 3pt and a perfect 4-4 FT. WIlliam and Mary did not know what hit them. Drexel maintained the lead throughout the second half even as the Tribe shot 56% in the second half and cut the lead to nine on three different occasions. Drexel's free throw shooting down the stretch, 17 of 22, was enough to never let the lead become too narrow. Freddie Wilson had his best game as a Dragon, logging 24 points, Tavon Allen added his career high 22 pts and Rodney Williams brought 18 points and 9 rebounds. All three played the entire 40 minutes as did Rashann London. Tyshan Myles and Mohammed Bah split the remaining 40 minutes and each contributed an identical 6 points and 8 rebounds to the cause. Only six players convincingly knocked William and Mary out of sole possession of the league title in an unbelievable outcome. The win raised Drexel to 9-9, completing the conference season as a #7 seed.
('14-15 season. 11-19. Lost to College of Charleston in the CAA opening round (pillow fight).)
The Drexel active roster had recently been trimmed to just 7 seven healthy players, after Damion Lee broke his hand and Sammy Mojica sprained his knee. The loss of a prolific scorer and an emerging complimentary player, had the Dragons riding a four game losing skid entering this contest. The Tribe needed a win for the outright CAA regular season title and it seemed easily within reach on their home court on Senior Night against the depleted Dragons. But this was not the day for the expected. Drexel jumped out with a monstrous first half commanding a 37-21 lead at the break. The Dragons shot 50% FG including 7 for 12 from 3pt and a perfect 4-4 FT. WIlliam and Mary did not know what hit them. Drexel maintained the lead throughout the second half even as the Tribe shot 56% in the second half and cut the lead to nine on three different occasions. Drexel's free throw shooting down the stretch, 17 of 22, was enough to never let the lead become too narrow. Freddie Wilson had his best game as a Dragon, logging 24 points, Tavon Allen added his career high 22 pts and Rodney Williams brought 18 points and 9 rebounds. All three played the entire 40 minutes as did Rashann London. Tyshan Myles and Mohammed Bah split the remaining 40 minutes and each contributed an identical 6 points and 8 rebounds to the cause. Only six players convincingly knocked William and Mary out of sole possession of the league title in an unbelievable outcome. The win raised Drexel to 9-9, completing the conference season as a #7 seed.
40. Drexel 75, LaSalle 70 @ Palestra, December 1997. Big 5 Victory.
('97-98 season. 13-15. Lost to Boston U. in America East semi-final)
It was the second straight year with a Big 5 victory, but Drexel Coach Bill Herrion is still just thankful to have opportunities to play city games. ``We're just flattered that La Salle, Penn and St. Joe's even allow us to play them,'' Herrion said. ``They don't need these games. This game is much more important for Drexel University, for our basketball program. So you have to approach this as a tremendous opportunity.'' The Dragons did take advantage of the Explorers, racing out to a 17 point halftime lead using a balanced attack. LaSalle did mount a comeback beginning with an 18-5 run early in the 2nd half. They got to with 4 points with under 9 minutes to play and the game stayed close until the end. LaSalle trailed by just 3 when Drexel broke the Explorer press leading to an easy Bryant Coursey layup with 25 seconds to go, which sealed the win. Seven Dragons logged 17 or more minutes and five were in double figure scoring. Mike DeRocckis led the team in both categories with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Joe Linderman scored 12; Mike Kouser, Stephen Starks and Warren Williams netted 10 each.
It was the second straight year with a Big 5 victory, but Drexel Coach Bill Herrion is still just thankful to have opportunities to play city games. ``We're just flattered that La Salle, Penn and St. Joe's even allow us to play them,'' Herrion said. ``They don't need these games. This game is much more important for Drexel University, for our basketball program. So you have to approach this as a tremendous opportunity.'' The Dragons did take advantage of the Explorers, racing out to a 17 point halftime lead using a balanced attack. LaSalle did mount a comeback beginning with an 18-5 run early in the 2nd half. They got to with 4 points with under 9 minutes to play and the game stayed close until the end. LaSalle trailed by just 3 when Drexel broke the Explorer press leading to an easy Bryant Coursey layup with 25 seconds to go, which sealed the win. Seven Dragons logged 17 or more minutes and five were in double figure scoring. Mike DeRocckis led the team in both categories with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Joe Linderman scored 12; Mike Kouser, Stephen Starks and Warren Williams netted 10 each.
41. UNC-Wilmington 70, Drexel 62 @ Richmond, March 2003. First CAA Championship game appearance.
(’02-03 season. 19-12, lost in CAA Final)
CAA Championship Game. Drexel’s first, and so far, only appearance in the CAA Championship Game. This was a dominant UNCW team that Drexel faced. Despite the score this one was not close throughout most of the second half. Robert Battle played a monster game, scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds but it just wasn’t enough to overcome a balanced Seahawk team led by all-time CAA guard Brett Blizzard.
CAA Championship Game. Drexel’s first, and so far, only appearance in the CAA Championship Game. This was a dominant UNCW team that Drexel faced. Despite the score this one was not close throughout most of the second half. Robert Battle played a monster game, scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds but it just wasn’t enough to overcome a balanced Seahawk team led by all-time CAA guard Brett Blizzard.
42. Virginia Commonwealth 59, Drexel 56 @ Richmond Coliseum, March 2012. CAA Championship game.
(‘11-12 season. 29-7, lost in CAA final, lost in NIT quarterfinals to UMass.)
For the second time in school history, Drexel made it to the CAA Championship Game in Richmond. With VCU holding a decided home court advantage, Drexel dug themselves into a 16 point first half deficit. The Dragons, however, did not quit. A Damion Lee dunk with 13 minutes to go, trimmed the VCU lead to 41-32. A Lee three and two free throws cut the lead to 6 with 9 minutes to play. A Samme Givens free throw with 1:12 remaining got the Dragons within 3. Chris Fouch hit a clutch three pointer with 16 seconds on the clock put the Drexel down just 1 at 57-56. The Dragons had the ball for a final possession needing a three to tie, but Frantz Massenat couldn’t get off a quality shot and VCU won the CAA title. Although this game was much closer than the first appearance in the final in 2003, it made the sting far worse as Drexel’s NCAA tournament fate fell into the hands of the Selection Committee. Lee led the team with 20 points plus had 10 rebounds. Fouch followed with 15 and Massenat had 14. Samme Givens, who was only allowed three shots in 35 minutes of action, scored just 3 points but contributed 15 rebounds.
For the second time in school history, Drexel made it to the CAA Championship Game in Richmond. With VCU holding a decided home court advantage, Drexel dug themselves into a 16 point first half deficit. The Dragons, however, did not quit. A Damion Lee dunk with 13 minutes to go, trimmed the VCU lead to 41-32. A Lee three and two free throws cut the lead to 6 with 9 minutes to play. A Samme Givens free throw with 1:12 remaining got the Dragons within 3. Chris Fouch hit a clutch three pointer with 16 seconds on the clock put the Drexel down just 1 at 57-56. The Dragons had the ball for a final possession needing a three to tie, but Frantz Massenat couldn’t get off a quality shot and VCU won the CAA title. Although this game was much closer than the first appearance in the final in 2003, it made the sting far worse as Drexel’s NCAA tournament fate fell into the hands of the Selection Committee. Lee led the team with 20 points plus had 10 rebounds. Fouch followed with 15 and Massenat had 14. Samme Givens, who was only allowed three shots in 35 minutes of action, scored just 3 points but contributed 15 rebounds.
43. Drexel 71, @Penn 62, November 2002. Big 5 Victory.
(’02-03 season. 19-12, lost in CAA Final to UNCW.)
Big 5 victory. This team ultimately advanced to the CAA Championship game behind 3 eventual 1,000 point scorers in Battle, Whitworth and Goss.
Big 5 victory. This team ultimately advanced to the CAA Championship game behind 3 eventual 1,000 point scorers in Battle, Whitworth and Goss.
44. Drexel 58, @Penn 49, November 2009. Big 5 victory.
('09-10 season. 16-16, lost in first round of CAA.)
Third straight win over the Quakers was a relatively easy one for Drexel’s first win of the season. Drexel held a slim margin over most of the first half, but opened the game up in the second half after a 13-2 run with about 10 mintues remaining in the game. Penn never really got close in an uncharacteristic, non-dramatic finish. Jamie Harris led with 22 points. Evan Neisler and Gerald Colds added 10 each.
Third straight win over the Quakers was a relatively easy one for Drexel’s first win of the season. Drexel held a slim margin over most of the first half, but opened the game up in the second half after a 13-2 run with about 10 mintues remaining in the game. Penn never really got close in an uncharacteristic, non-dramatic finish. Jamie Harris led with 22 points. Evan Neisler and Gerald Colds added 10 each.
45. Drexel 68, @Penn 63, January 2001. Big 5 victory.
(’00-01 season: 15-12, lost in first round of America East)
Penn’s lead of 5-1 two minutes into the game would be its biggest of the game. Most of the first half was back-and-forth, but with 3 minutes left in the first half, the Dragons held a 6 point lead. A 32-29 Drexel advantage at the half set up a typical nail biting second half. Drexel dominated early in the second half, running up a 55-41 lead with 10 minutes left. Penn retaliated with a 13-0 run to draw within 1. Drexel shone from the free throw line over the final 5 minutes of the game with 11 made FTs, including 3 of 4 by Joe Linderman to extend the lead from 2 to 5 in the final 30 seconds to seal the win.
Penn’s lead of 5-1 two minutes into the game would be its biggest of the game. Most of the first half was back-and-forth, but with 3 minutes left in the first half, the Dragons held a 6 point lead. A 32-29 Drexel advantage at the half set up a typical nail biting second half. Drexel dominated early in the second half, running up a 55-41 lead with 10 minutes left. Penn retaliated with a 13-0 run to draw within 1. Drexel shone from the free throw line over the final 5 minutes of the game with 11 made FTs, including 3 of 4 by Joe Linderman to extend the lead from 2 to 5 in the final 30 seconds to seal the win.
46. Drexel over Penn, December 2012. Big 5 victory.
47. @Delaware 92, Drexel 68, March 1992 @ Delaware Field House. NAC Championship Game.
(’91-92 season. 16-14, NAC Runner up)
This game was Drexel’s first Championship Game appearance since 1986 in the ECC. It was a game that Drexel wasn’t predicted to get into but Coach Bill Herrion’s first team after taking over the program went on a hot streak in late February, winning 6 of their final 7 regular season games plus 2 NAC tourney games. That lone loss was by 6 points in the regular season finale at Delaware. The Championship was the final game to be played at the old UD Field House, the Hens’ home prior to the Bob Carpenter Center. Herrion knew going in that Delaware was the superior team, but he hoped the Blue Hens would start slow and give his squad a chance to hang around. Drexel stayed close for most of the first half before Delaware ended the period on a 14-4 run. Drexel scored first to open the second half, but then surrendered a 14-6 run that saw the Blue Hen lead expand to 16 points. Michael Thompson and Clarence Armstrong each scored 20 points in their final game. It was also the end for Jonathon Raab, who was held to 7 points and 4 rebounds. It was an overachieving final stretch for the Dragons, but the final game for this season was a lopsided one.
This game was Drexel’s first Championship Game appearance since 1986 in the ECC. It was a game that Drexel wasn’t predicted to get into but Coach Bill Herrion’s first team after taking over the program went on a hot streak in late February, winning 6 of their final 7 regular season games plus 2 NAC tourney games. That lone loss was by 6 points in the regular season finale at Delaware. The Championship was the final game to be played at the old UD Field House, the Hens’ home prior to the Bob Carpenter Center. Herrion knew going in that Delaware was the superior team, but he hoped the Blue Hens would start slow and give his squad a chance to hang around. Drexel stayed close for most of the first half before Delaware ended the period on a 14-4 run. Drexel scored first to open the second half, but then surrendered a 14-6 run that saw the Blue Hen lead expand to 16 points. Michael Thompson and Clarence Armstrong each scored 20 points in their final game. It was also the end for Jonathon Raab, who was held to 7 points and 4 rebounds. It was an overachieving final stretch for the Dragons, but the final game for this season was a lopsided one.
48. Northeastern 74, Drexel 73 @ Bob Carpenter Center, March 2001. Linderman's finale.
('00-01 season. 15-12. Lost to Northeastern in CAA quarterfinals.)
America East Quarterfinals. This was the last game of the 2000-01 season which marked the end of Joe Linderman's collegiate career (and ultimately the end of the 2 year Steve Seymour era). Some say it was good to end this era of clinging to the Herrion system. Others were frustrated by a lack of team success while having a center capable of scoring 1,816 points during a career that ended as the 4th highest scorer in school history. Granted, it is not a “great” game, in fact it was a thoroughly disappointing game.
America East Quarterfinals. This was the last game of the 2000-01 season which marked the end of Joe Linderman's collegiate career (and ultimately the end of the 2 year Steve Seymour era). Some say it was good to end this era of clinging to the Herrion system. Others were frustrated by a lack of team success while having a center capable of scoring 1,816 points during a career that ended as the 4th highest scorer in school history. Granted, it is not a “great” game, in fact it was a thoroughly disappointing game.
Characteristics considered while ranking each game (in no particular order):
Win / loss
Game setting (tournament, conference, OOC)
Venue
Outstanding individual perfomance
Drama
Opponent
Televised, exposure, media coverage
Attendance
Win / loss
Game setting (tournament, conference, OOC)
Venue
Outstanding individual perfomance
Drama
Opponent
Televised, exposure, media coverage
Attendance