Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
Florida Gulf Coast
Mejia and Mason Lead Drexel to 73-37 win vs. Florida Gulf Coast
11/15/2006 11:10:55 PM | Men's Basketball
Philadelphia, Pa. –Seniors Dominick Mejia (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern) and Bashir Mason (Jersey City, N.J./St. Benedict's) combined for 32 points as Drexel opened the 2006-07 season with a 73-37 victory against Florida Gulf Coast. The Dragons forced 26 turnovers and held the Eagles to just 26 percent shooting on the night.
The Dragons broke open the game midway through the first half. After the Eagles cut the margin to 25-18, Mason scored five-straight points to spark a 17-0 run, as Drexel went to the break ahead, 42-20. Mason and Mejia combined for 27 of the team's 42 points in the half. The Drexel defense, led by Chaz Crawford (Philadelphia, Pa./Hargrave Military) had a solid first half. Crawford swatted five of his seven shots in the half. Crawford finished with a game-high 11 rebounds.
The second half started out the same way as the first half ended as Drexel held Florida Gulf Coast scoreless for the first 5:19 of the half. FGCU shot just 5-for-23 (.217) in the second half. Drexel emptied the bench as all 15 players played for Coach Flint.
Junior Scott Rodgers (Philadelphia, Pa./Central) added 11 points for the Dragons. Junior Frank Elegar (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond's) and sophomore Tramayne Hawthorne (Steelton, Pa./Steelton-Highspire) each scored nine points. Hawthorne also grabbed seven boards and handed out three assists.
Drexel returns to action on Saturday at Vermont. The Catamounts are 2-1 after knocking off nationally ranked Boston College on Monday night.
