Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
Northeastern
Dragons Keep Barea in Check But Fall to Northeastern
1/14/2006 12:00:00 AM
Boston, Mass. - Chaz Crawford put back a rebound with 56 seconds remaining to give Drexel (9-8, 3-3 CAA) a 60-58 lead over Northeastern. But the Huskies' Shawn James knocked down a three-pointer with 31 seconds left and Aaron Davis hit a pair of free-throws after a missed jumper by Kenell Sanches that put the game just out of reach. Bashir Mason got off a three from the left side that was off the mark as CAA newcomer Northeastern (9-6, 5-2 CAA) held on for a 63-60 victory.
Dominick Mejia kept Drexel in the game with four key three-pointers, including his 100th as Dragon, finishing with a team-high 21 points. Mason had eight points and eight assists but his biggest contribution was on defense against the nation's top assist man and the CAA's leading scorer, Jose Juan Barea. Mason held Barea, who was averaging 23.5 points per game, to a season-low 13 points.
Northeastern led most of the second half but Drexel went on top at the 3:38 mark when Sanchez converted a fast-break layup and drew a foul. He converted the three-point play to put the Dragons on top 57-55. Mejia would knock down one of two free throws a minute later to push the lead to 58-55. But Aaron Davis, who led the Huskies with 21 points, drained a three to tie the game and set up the closing sequence.
The Dragons return to Philadelphia to play the other CAA newcomer Georgia State on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
