Defense Carries Drexel to Victory Over Vermont, 56-42

Saturday, February 18

Daskalakis Athletic Center

TBA

Drexel University

Vermont

Defense Carries Drexel to Victory Over Vermont, 56-42

2/18/2006 12:00:00 AM

Box Score

Philadelphia - Drexel defeated Vermont, 56-42, in a non-conference game at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. The win evened the Dragons' record at 14-14, while the Catamounts dropped to 11-13. Drexel's defense limited Vermont to just 21 points in each half as the Catamounts shot under 27 percent from the floor.

From the opening tip, the Drexel defense stymied the Vermont offense as the Catamounts were without a field goal in the first six minutes of the game. Despite 38 percent shooting and leading scorer Dominick Mejia (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern) being held scoreless in the first half, the Dragons led 29-21 at the break.

Bashir Mason (Jersey City, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) scored 11 second-half points as Drexel's lead never dropped below eight points in the second stanza. Senior captain Kenell Sanchez (Camden, N.J./Bishop Eustace) had a game-high 17 points for Drexel, while point guard Bashir Mason (Jersey City, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) scored 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting while handing out seven assists. Junior Chaz Crawford (Philadelphia, Pa./Hargrave Military Academy) contributed 10 points, 12 rebounds, seven blocks and a pair of steals in recording his third double-double of the season. Frank Elegar (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond's) also corralled 12 rebounds for the Dragons. Vermont was led by freshman Mike Trimboli's 11 points.

Vermont shot 16-for-60 from the field, including just 2-for-14 from beyond the arc. The game marked the eighth time Drexel has held an opponent to less than 50 points. The Dragons lead the CAA in scoring defense, allowing just 59.8 points per game.

Drexel will play its final home game of the season on Thursday, Feb. 23 when the Dragons will face William & Mary. The game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m.