Dragons Hold on to Defeat Saint Joseph's on Hawk Hill, 78-75

Wednesday, November 17

Philadelphia, Pa.

7 p.m.

Drexel University

2-1,0-0CAA

Saint Joseph's

2-1,0-0Atlantic 10

Drexel

Saint Joseph's

Photo by: Gavin Baker / Sideline Photos LLC

Dragons Hold on to Defeat Saint Joseph's on Hawk Hill, 78-75

11/17/2021 8:54:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Butler and Wynter Combine for 45 Points

PHILADELPHIA – James Butler scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Camren Wynter added 22 as Drexel knocked off Saint Joseph's on the road, 78-75. The Dragons snapped a nine-game losing streak on Hawk Hill and won for the first time on Saint Joseph's campus since the 1977-78 season.

The Dragons did not trail in the second half, but the Hawks were within reach the entire game. Drexel broke a 72-72 lead when Wynter drove the lane and scored with 32 seconds to play. The Hawks' Jordan Hall came down court but had one of his few misses of the night and Wynter grabbed the board. He was fouled and made one of two to put Drexel ahead by three. Once again Saint Joseph's answered, this time on an Ejike Obinna slam with just 10 seconds to go, but Drexel was able to seal it with a free throw from Wynter and then two more from Butler with just four seconds left in the game. The Hawks had one last chance, but struggled to get it across half court. Erik Reynolds fired a desperation shot that hit just the backboard and Drexel escaped with their second straight win against the Hawks.

Butler had his best game of the young season with his eighth career game of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. It was his 34^th career double-double. Wynter showed why he was named the CAA Preseason Player of the Year. The senior had 22 points on 8-for-18 shooting and added six assists. Xavier Bell also reached double digits with 10 points despite being hampered by foul trouble most of the night. The Dragons made six of their nine 3-point attempts and shot 47 percent overall on the night.

The first half was played at a quick pace and neither team could put any distance between their opponents. The game was tied at 24 when Wynter scored on a short jumper to put the Dragons ahead. After a Drexel stop on the defensive end, Wynter made a nice long bounce pass that led Melik Martin to an uncontested dunk. That put Drexel ahead, 28-24. The Dragons would hold that lead and take a four-point advantage to intermission. Butler had a big first half for the Dragons with 10 points and seven rebounds. Wynter added nine and had three assists.

The Hawks (2-1) were led by Hall, who scored 20 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds and had six assists. Taylor Funk added 16 points and had three 3-pointers.

The Dragons will head to the Bahamas this weekend where they will play in the Baha Mar Nassau Championship. Drexel will play three games in three days, starting with a match-up against Tulane on Monday at 2:30 p.m. All three games can be seen live on FloHoops.com.