The Drexel Dragons took on the La Salle Explorers on Wed. in their first ever Big 5 game, crushing their opponents 73-40 on their home court. The Dragons were fired up and ready for this match, displaying their team chemistry and ferocity from the first minute to the last.
La Salle opened with the first point of the game, but the Dragons quickly answered with Deja Evans, followed closely by Grace O’Neill from behind the arc. In the starting minutes of the game both teams battled for dominance, responding to conceded points with plays of their own. After the first five minutes, the Dragons were able to lock La Salle into their own basket, with an unguarded three from Cara McCormack, and a 10 point battering from Amaris Baker. In their last play, Laine McGurk rolled the ball to half court, where McCormack picked it and scored a three-point buzzer beater to end the quarter.
The Dragons won most of their defensive battles, with Evans rejecting their possessions, all while corralling points and rebounds of her own. Muscling out her opponents, Evans seemingly added to the team’s uncompromising will on the court, along with swift skill and decision making from McGurk, and McCormack. As a whole, the Dragons showcased easy chemistry, while ending the half up 33-16.
As La Salle became frustratingly behind in score, the Explorers changed their defensive positioning, slowing the Dragons’ scoring tempo down mid-game. In response, the Dragons came right back to pursue La Salle by controlling the speed of play and stopping chaotic attempts of attack, holding them to 14 points while dumping 22 of their own in the third quarter.
After a swift drive to the baseline, Lavin found McGurk, who passed it over to Baker, turning it around and sinking it from the free throw line. La Salle’s defense was unable to stop the quick plays by the Dragons, which broke them down consistently through the second half. Moreover, they were seemingly unable to guard Amaris Baker.
Scoring over 20 points against La Salle, Baker continues her streak of scoring double figures in 13 consecutive games going back to last season. Baker credited her team for her success on the court postgame. “I trust the coaches, the staff, my teammates, and they trust me as well and that gives you confidence going onto the court.” Acknowledging her contributions to the team, Baker went on, “I’ll do whatever they need me to do.”
The emphasis on team connection was certainly displayed when in the final quarter Iriona Gravely and Emilee Jones took to the court for the first time in their collegiate careers. Jones scored a three pointer and a pair of free throws, while Gravely scored two points and took three rebounds off La Salle, outscoring them in the end.
The Drexel Dragons have a difficult match ahead, facing UC Irvine at home on Wed., Nov. 20. UC Irvine was ranked second in the Big West standings, and won the 2023 and 2024 Big West Championships. They have gone 2-1 in their season so far, yielding a loss to New Mexico State. The Dragons have started their season off strong, but have a challenging road ahead of them.