Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
0-1,0-0CAA
Norfolk State
2-0,0-0MEAC
Dragons Fall Short to Norfolk State in Season-Opener, 51-49
11/8/2023 9:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA – The Drexel women's basketball team fell short in the season opener against Norfolk State on Wednesday night at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. The Spartans (1-1) sank a 3-point shot with 19 seconds remaining to take the lead in a closely contested game that featured eight lead changes, 51-49.
BY THE NUMBERS
Amaris Baker led the Dragons with a 14-point performance in her Drexel Debut. The junior also added seven boards and two assists to her line.
Grace O'Neill was not far behind Baker in reaching double digits with 12 points. O'Neill shot 5-for-9 from the floor and added a pair of back-to-back threes in the third quarter. The West Chester, Pa. product also grabbed seven boards.
Drexel shot 18-for-46 from the floor but struggled from long range, going 5-for-21. At the foul line, the Dragons were 8-for-12.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Norfolk State had a three-point advantage at the end of the first 10 minutes, leading the Dragons 14-11. Drexel's offense had a slow start, but Brooke Mullin's long ball pulled Drexel back into the mix. O'Neill contributed a pair of field goals to lead the Dragons with four points.
Drexel took the lead for the first time in the second quarter, going on a seven-point run over three minutes. Four straight points by Chloe Hodges and a 3-point basket by Baker sent the Dragons into the locker room ahead by three, 26-23.
The third quarter was the O'Neill and Mullin show, as the two players combined for 12 points. A pair of back-to-back 3-pointers by O'Neill put the Dragons ahead by three points, but the Spartans cut that lead to one to end the quarter, 38-37.
Much of the fourth quarter was a defensive battle. Drexel got to the line seven times and converted five attempts. On the other end of the court, Drexel held Norfolk State to 4-for-14 from the floor, but the Spartans got to the charity stripe seven times, making five of those attempts.
UP NEXT
Drexel has a quick turnaround, traveling to Dover, Del. on Friday, November 10, to face the Delaware State Hornets. Tip-off from Memorial Hall Gym is slated for 5:30 p.m.
