Game Info: Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bob Carpenter Center, Newark, Del.
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NEWARK, Del. – Drexel and Delaware continue their storied rivalry on Thursday at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Del. The game can be seen live on the CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m. The Dragons are looking to avenge an early season loss at the hands of the Blue Hens in the Daskalakis Athletic Center. The 2021-22 Drexel men’s basketball season is presented by IBEW 98.
THE SERIES
Drexel has played Delaware more than any other school. Today will be the 164th meeting in the series. The Blue Hens now lead the series, 84-79. Earlier this year, Delaware defeated Drexel in Philadelphia, 81-77. Ryan Allen scored 23 for UD, while Xavier Bell led Drexel with 18 points. The teams did not meet last season due to the pandemic. In 2020, each team won on its home court. Camren Wynter averaged 20 in those two games, while James Butler had 16 boards in each contest.
ABOUT DREXEL
The Dragons are now 9-10 overall and 4-5 in the CAA. Drexel has lost two straight after a 70-63 loss at the hands of UNCW. The Seahawks, who are undefeated in CAA play, battled back from a big first-half deficit and forced 19 turnovers, much to the delight of the more than 4,000 fans that were in attendance. Coletrane Washington led Drexel with 14 points, all coming in the first half. Melik Martin added 12 points and seven rebounds. Once again, the Dragons shot well from deep (.400). They lead the CAA in 3-point percentage overall and in league games. Amari Williams had three more blocked shots in the game and leads the conference with more than two a game.
ABOUT THE BLUE HENS
The Blue Hens have won three of four and are now 15-7 overall. They are 6-3 in league play and have lost only once in eight games at the Carpenter Center. The Blue Hens have a veteran line-up with lots of experience. Four players average in double figures, led by Dylan Painter. The Villanova transfer scores more than 14 a game and leads the club with eight rebounds. Jameer Nelson has had a solid first season after transferring from George Washington. He averages more than 13 points per contest.
THIS GAME IS NO SECRET
Drexel will be wearing a special warm-up shirt prior to the game. The Dragons will be taking part in the second annual “This Game is No Secret” event will run across the nation from Jan. 31-Feb. 6. The idea was created by the Executive Committee of ERACISM. The “Eracism” initiative is a social inclusion movement committed to bringing forth change through education, awareness, and action with current and former college basketball coaches leading the way.
Teams across the country will honor the legacy of Coach John McLendon by wearing t-shirts with those words five words — THIS GAME IS NO SECRET. The idea is to make this an annual event. It is an opportunity for players, coaches, and fans to learn more about Coach McLendon, who is one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. McLendon was the first African American coach to win an integrated national championship. In 1944, he coached the North Carolina College Eagles to an 88-44 win over Duke in the “Secret Game”, which was the first collegiate basketball contest where African Americans and European-Americans competed on the same floor. With Tennessee A&I, McLendon went on to win the NAIA Division I Men’s Tournament in 1957, 1958, and 1959, making him the first coach in history to win three consecutive NAIA championships.
WHAT’S NEXT
Drexel finally returns home next week. The Dragons will host James Madison on Monday evening at 7 p.m.
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