PHILADELPHIA — The La Salle men's basketball team fought hard against Drexel on Saturday afternoon in their nationally televised game, but the Dragons came away with a 65-58 victory in overtime to hand the Explorers their first loss at Tom Gola Arena this season.
The loss put the Explorers at 5-5 on the season. In addition, the Explorers are 4-1 at Gola Arena this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Explorers raced out to a 7-0 lead in the first four minutes after receiving a pair of layups from Anwar Gill and Jhamir Brickus and a three-pointer from Hassan Drame.
- The Explorers managed to get the lead as high as 23-15 with 5:47 remaining in the half. Rokas Jocius scored nine points during that 10-minute span to help La Salle maintain its lead.
- However, Drexel went on a 16-8 run to close the half and make it a 31-all game at halftime.
- In the second half, the Dragons took a 39-35 lead after going on an 8-4 run in the first four-plus minutes.
- The Explorers managed to tie the game four times over the next 15 minutes, including free throw from Gill with 2:30 left after converting a layup while he was fouled following an offensive rebound.
- The Explorers had a chance to win the game with 22 seconds left following a Drexel five-second violation, but their shot just hit off the rim, forcing the game to go into OT.
- In the extra period, Drexel went on a 6-0 run to take a 59-53 lead with 44 seconds left. The Explorers managed to get a pair of free throws and a three-pointer form Brickus, but the Dragons went 6-for-6 from the foul line to end the game.
GAME NOTES
- Gill led the way for the Explorer with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
- After a hot first half, Jocius finished the game with 12 points. Brickus added 12 points and a team-high three steals in the defeat.
- Despite the loss to the Dragons, the Explorers still lead the all-time series against their City 6 rival at 24-8 overall.
UP NEXT
- The Explorers will hit the road next Saturday when they travel to face Cincinnati. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
