Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
Princeton
Drexel Defeats Princeton in NIT Season Tip-Off, 54-41
11/14/2005 12:00:00 AM
Princeton, N.J.--The Drexel men's basketball team went on a 17-0 run late in the first half and defeated Princeton, 54-41, in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off. Drexel trailed 16-9 with 9:14 to play in the first half, but held the Tigers off the board for more than eight minutes to take control of the game. With the win, the Dragons advance to face Sam Houston State, who upset Missouri.
Dominick Mejia had 10 of his game-high 18 points during the first-half run. He nailed three of his four three-pointers in the first 20 minutes and finished the half with 13 points.
Drexel controlled the boards on both ends. The Dragons outrebounded the Tigers, 46-17, and had 19 offensive rebounds. Sophomore Randy Oveneke, making his first collegiate start, had a career-best 14 rebounds.
Drexel led 28-19 at intermission, but the Tigers clawed their way back into the contest. The Dragons lead was cut to four with 12:11 to play when Luke Owings made a three-pointer for Princeton. Drexel countered with a 9-1 run to seal the win. It was Drexel's first win ever against their Ivy League opponents. The Tigers had won the previous eight meetings.
Chaz Crawford had 13 points and nine boards off the bench for the Dragons, while Bashir Mason had a solid all-around game with 10 points, five assists and two steals. Mason played the entire 40 minutes.
Drexel held the Tigers to just 33 percent shooting from the field. Princeton was 10-for-30 from behind the arc and made only five two-point baskets in the entire contest.
