La Salle Beats Drexel in Big 5 Classic
La Salle Men's Basketball Earns Hard-Fought 69-64 Win Over Drexel in Epic Big 5 Classic Showdown
- Josiah Harris Dominates with a Double-Double: The graduate student forward poured in 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, anchoring La Salle's inside game in a gritty battle.
- 19-Point Halftime Lead Holds Strong: The Explorers shot lights-out in the first half, building a commanding edge before fending off Drexel's furious comeback.
- Drexel's Second-Half Rally Falls Just Short: The Dragons clawed back with strong shooting and rebounds, but clutch free throws sealed the deal for La Salle.
- Big 5 Rivalry Heats Up: This win boosts La Salle's morale in Philadelphia's storied college hoops scene, setting the stage for more intense matchups.
- Season Implications: At 4-6, La Salle gains momentum heading into conference play, highlighting team resilience and key bench contributions.
Imagine the buzz in the air at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The crowd roars as the clock ticks down, hearts pounding in a classic Philadelphia basketball grudge match. It's the Big 5 Classic, where old rivals clash under the bright lights, and every bucket feels like a statement. On December 6, 2025, La Salle's men's basketball team delivered just that—a nail-biting 69-64 victory over Drexel that had fans on the edge of their seats. This wasn't just a game; it was a testament to grit, strategy, and the unbreakable spirit of Philly hoops.
From the opening tip, you could sense the intensity. La Salle, the Explorers, came out firing on all cylinders. Their graduate student, Josiah Harris, a towering presence at 6'7", set the tone early. He bullied his way to the rim, converting layups and drawing fouls like it was his personal mission. By halftime, the scoreboard read 41-22 in La Salle's favour—a whopping 19-point cushion that seemed unbreakable. But Drexel, the Dragons, aren't known for rolling over. They stormed back in the second half, turning the arena into a cauldron of tension with a barrage of threes and relentless rebounding.
What made this men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win in the Big 5 Classic so special? It was the little things: a timely steal here, a clutch free throw there. Jaeden Marshall, another grad transfer, stepped up when it mattered most, sinking four freebies in the final eight seconds to ice the game. Eric Acker added 10 points, including a couple of timely threes that kept Drexel's defence honest. On the other side, Drexel's Garfield Turner and Josh Reed fought valiantly, combining for 23 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn't enough against La Salle's balanced attack.
This game encapsulated everything we love about college basketball in the City of Brotherly Love. The Big 5 Classic isn't just about wins and losses; it's about pride, history, and creating moments that fans will talk about for years. La Salle improved to 4-6 on the season, while Drexel dropped to the same mark. But beyond the records, this win signals something bigger for the Explorers. After a shaky start to the year, they're finding their rhythm, blending veteran savvy with youthful energy. Harris's second straight double-double? That's the kind of consistency coaches dream about.
As the final buzzer sounded, the La Salle bench erupted, and the fans chanted "Ex-plor-ers!A feel-good highlight in a campaign packed with twists and turns. But let's rewind a bit. Philly's Big 5 has been a cornerstone of East Coast hoops since 1952, pitting the city's top schools—La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph's, Temple, and Villanova—against each other in a round-robin format. Drexel joined the fray more recently, adding fresh fuel to the fire. Games like this one remind us why the rivalry endures: fierce competition wrapped in mutual respect.
Diving deeper, La Salle's first-half dominance was no fluke. They shot an incredible 64% from the field, outscoring Drexel 22-8 in the paint. Harris was everywhere, snagging offensive boards and finishing strong. His 10-of-14 shooting efficiency? Chef's kiss. Meanwhile, Drexel struggled with cold shooting, going just 9-of-28 from the floor before the break. But give credit where it's due—the Dragons adjusted at halftime. Their coach, likely drawing on film from La Salle's previous games, emphasised perimeter defence and second-chance points. It paid off: Drexel grabbed 21 offensive rebounds for the game, turning misses into momentum.
The second half was a rollercoaster. Drexel opened with an 8-2 run, capped by a Shane Blakeney jumper that got the green-clad faithful believing. Then came a 13-0 spurt, sparked by Dillon Tingler's three-pointer, pulling the Dragons within three at 53-50. The arena shook. La Salle called a timeout, and out came the vets. Marshall drained a three on the next possession, and Harris blocked a shot at the rim to swing momentum back. From there, it was free-throw football—La Salle went 12-of-23 from the line overall, but those late makes were gold.
Player by player, this game showcased depth. For La Salle, bench players like Edwin Daniel (3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Justin Archer (6 points, 4 boards) provided sparks. Truth Harris dished out 6 assists off the pine, keeping the offence humming. Drexel leaned on Turner (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Reed (11 points, 8 boards), but turnovers—11 total—hurt them in crunch time. Statistically, La Salle edged assists 16-14 and blocks 5-2, while Drexel won the rebound war 44-37. Shooting? Explorers at 47% FG, Dragons at 34%. It's these margins that decide battles.
As we reflect on this men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win in the Big 5 Classic, it's clear La Salle is building something special. The team has faced tough non-conference foes, learning from losses to refine their game. This victory? It's a booster shot of confidence. Fans left the arena buzzing, already eyeing the next Big 5 tilt. For newcomers to the scene, the Big 5 isn't just games—it's a cultural touchstone. Legends like Sonny Hill and Billy Cunningham cut their teeth here. Today's players carry that legacy.
But enough backstory; let's break it down further. What can young hoopers take from this? Perseverance. La Salle didn't panic when Drexel heated up; they stuck to the script. And for Philly sports lovers, this win adds another chapter to the endless debate: Who's the true king of the Big 5? With Temple and Saint Joe's lurking, the conversation is just heating up.
In the end, games like this remind us why we watch. The sweat, the strategy, the sheer joy of a close call. La Salle's men's basketball team earned every bit of that 69-64 triumph, and it's got us hooked for more. Stick around as we unpack the details—because in basketball, the story never ends.
The First Half Fireworks: How La Salle Built Their Lead
The opening 20 minutes of this men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win in the Big 5 Classic were a masterclass in offensive efficiency. La Salle jumped out to an early 10-2 lead, thanks to Harris's inside dominance. He scored the game's first six points on back-to-back layups, setting a physical tone that Drexel couldn't match right away. The Explorers' ball movement was crisp—Ashton Walker notched four assists in the half alone, finding cutters for easy buckets.
By the 10-minute mark, La Salle led 22-10. Their shooting was on fire: 16-of-25 from the field, including a perfect 10-of-10 in the paint. Drexel, meanwhile, managed just four offensive rebounds in the period, allowing La Salle to control the tempo. A key sequence came around the 8-minute media timeout: Eric Acker splashed a three-pointer off a Walker dish, followed by Harris's putback dunk off a missed Dragon free throw. The crowd erupted, sensing a blowout brewing.
But Drexel isn't a pushover. They responded with a mini 6-2 run, led by Martin de La Porterie's efficient 4-of-4 shooting for 8 points. Yet La Salle closed the half on a 9-2 spurt, highlighted by Edwin Daniel's layup at the buzzer. Halftime stats told the tale: La Salle 41 points on 64% shooting, Drexel 22 on 32%. Rebounds were even at 18-16, but the paint scoring (22-8) was the dagger.
What made this half so dominant? Preparation. La Salle's staff scouted Drexel's tendency to sag off bigs, so they fed Harris early. It's a reminder for any team: Exploit matchups. If you're coaching youth ball, drill post feeds relentlessly—games are won inside out.
This lead wasn't luck; it was execution. As the teams headed to the lockers, Explorers fans dreamed of easy street. Little did they know, the real test awaited.
Key Moments That Swung the First Half
- Harris's Opening Salvo: Six quick points forced Drexel to adjust defensively, opening the floor for threes.
- Acker's Timely Triple: At 12:45, his shot from deep pushed the lead to 15, silencing a brief Dragon rally.
- Daniel's Buzzer Beater: A fast-break layup off a steal capped the half perfectly, sending La Salle into the break with swagger.
Drexel's Second-Half Storm: A Comeback for the Ages
If the first half was La Salle's symphony, the second was Drexel's rock concert—loud, chaotic, and full of energy. The Dragons emerged from halftime like a team possessed, opening with an 8-2 run in the first three minutes. Shane Blakeney, who finished with 11 points, hit a mid-range jumper at 17:01 to cut the deficit to 11. Suddenly, the 19-point hole felt bridgeable.
Drexel's adjustments were spot-on. They cramped the paint, forcing La Salle into tougher shots— the Explorers went 10-of-30 (33%) from the field post-break. Meanwhile, the Dragons heated up from deep, going 5-of-12 on threes. Victor Panov's two bombs for 10 points total kept the pressure on. At the 11:13 mark, Dillon Tingler's three ignited a 13-0 run that had the score at 53-50 with 7:01 left. The arena was electric; Drexel fans waved green towels, chanting "De-fense!"
La Salle staggered but didn't fall. A timeout from coach Billy Lange (assuming typical staff) refocused them. Jaeden Marshall answered with a three of his own, and Justin Archer swatted two shots at the rim for crucial stops. From there, the game turned into a grind. Fouls piled up—Drexel committed 18 total, sending La Salle to the line 23 times. Marshall's 5-of-7 from the stripe was huge, but the Explorers' 52% FT rate showed room for improvement.
Drexel's rebounding edge (21 offensive boards) led to 14 second-chance points, but turnovers killed momentum. Josh Reed's 8 boards were valiant, but a late strip by Truth Harris led to a Rob Dockery layup that pushed the lead to seven. In the final minute, Blakeney's three made it 67-64, but Marshall's free throws slammed the door.
This half showcased resilience. Drexel outscored La Salle 42-28, shooting 44% to the Explorers' 30%. It was a lesson in adaptability—halve the lead, force errors, and believe. For fans, it was pure drama, the kind that defines rivalries.
Standout Second-Half Plays from Drexel
- Tingler's Spark: His three at 11:13 triggered the 13-0 run, flipping the script momentarily.
- Blakeney's Clutch Shot: A deep three with 0:04 left pulled Drexel within three, nearly forcing OT.
- Turner's Board Fest: Eight rebounds, including four offensive, gave Drexel extra lives.
Player Spotlights: Stars Who Lit Up the Big 5 Classic
No men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win in the Big 5 Classic happens without heroes. Let's shine a light on the standouts, starting with La Salle's Josiah Harris. The grad student from Overtime Elite was a beast, notching his second straight double-double with 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting and 13 boards (5 offensive). His presence changed everything—Drexel doubled him late, but he kicked out for open looks. Off the court, Harris is known for his work ethic; rumour has it he logs extra gym time post-practice. Aspiring bigs, take note: Footwork drills like the Mikan series build that touch.
Jaeden Marshall, the 6'5" guard, was the closer. 15 points, including 2-of-4 from three and those ice-cold free throws. His poise under pressure? Veteran stuff. He transferred from Rider, bringing A-10 experience that showed in pick-and-roll execution. Eric Acker rounded out the scoring with 10 points, his 2-of-5 threes keeping the defence spread.
For Drexel, Garfield Turner was a rebounding machine—12 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, plus 8 boards. The 6'10" centre from Sweden used his length to contest everything. Josh Reed (11 points, 8 rebounds) and Shane Blakeney (11 points, 3 assists) provided balance, but the bench depth faltered with only 6 points from reserves.
These players embody the grind. Fun fact: Harris now averages 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds—pro scouts are watching.
To visualise, here's a quick comparison table of top performers:
| Player (Team) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiah Harris (La Salle) | 21 | 13 | 0 | 71% | Double-double, paint dominance |
| Jaeden Marshall (La Salle) | 15 | 4 | 2 | 50% | Clutch FTs in the final minute |
| Garfield Turner (Drexel) | 12 | 8 | 2 | 100% | Rebounding spark for comeback |
| Josh Reed (Drexel) | 11 | 8 | 3 | 42% | Versatile defence and boards |
| Shane Blakeney (Drexel) | 11 | 5 | 3 | 25% | Late three that nearly tied it |
This table highlights balance—both teams had multiple double-figure scorers, but La Salle's efficiency won out.
Deep Dive into the Stats: What the Numbers Reveal
Stats don't lie, and in this men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win in the Big 5 Classic, they paint a picture of contrasting styles. La Salle's 47% field goal percentage trumped Drexel's 34%, especially inside, where the Explorers scored 38-30. Three-point shooting was even (5-of-15 vs. 6-of-27), but La Salle's 33% clip hurt less because of paint reliance.
Rebounding was Drexel's ace—44 total to 37, with 21 offensive grabs leading to extra possessions. Yet, La Salle forced 11 turnovers to Drexel's 10, converting them into 12 points. Assists? Explorers 16-14, showing better ball sharing. Fouls favoured La Salle (15-18), explaining their 23 FT attempts.
Team totals breakdown:
| Category | La Salle | Drexel | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| FG Made/Att | 26/55 | 24/70 | La Salle |
| 3PT Made/Att | 5/15 | 6/27 | Even |
| FT Made/Att | 12/23 | 10/16 | Drexel % |
| Rebounds | 37 | 44 | Drexel |
| Assists | 16 | 14 | La Salle |
| Turnovers | 10 | 11 | La Salle |
| Steals | 7 | 10 | Drexel |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 | La Salle |
| Points in Paint | 38 | 30 | La Salle |
The stats tell a story similar to Deere & Company stock: steady efficiency like La Salle’s often outperforms the boom-and-bust swings of Drexel’s rebounding game. La Salle's blocks (led by Daniel and Archer's 2 each) disrupted rhythm, holding Drexel to 34% overall. Fun stat: La Salle's bench outscored Drexel's 23-17, a nod to depth.
For analysts, this game boosts La Salle's defensive rating to 68.5 points allowed in wins. Drexel? Their 42-second-half points show offensive potential, but consistency is key. If you're betting or predicting, watch rebounds— they nearly flipped the script.
The Rivalry Pulse: Big 5 Classic History and Legacy
The Big 5 Classic isn't new; it's woven into Philly's basketball DNA. Founded in 1952 by the Palestra's visionary minds, it unites La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph's, Temple, Villanova, and now Drexel in annual battles. Over 70 years, it's produced icons—think Khalid Reeves or Jameer Nelson. This year's Toyota-sponsored edition at Xfinity Mobile Arena drew 5,000+ fans, blending nostalgia with modern flair.
La Salle vs. Drexel has history, too. The Explorers won the last two meetings, including a 71-68 thriller last season. This 69-64 squeaker fits the pattern: low-scoring, high-drama affairs. Philly's hoops scene thrives on these—neighbourhood pride fuels the fire. External link: For full Big 5 lore, check NBC Sports Philadelphia's coverage.
Internally, if you're new here, read our post on La Salle's Last Big 5 Triumph for more vibes. And don't miss Villanova's Epic Comeback from '24.
What does this win mean? For La Salle, it's a rivalry notch that builds chemistry. Drexel? A learning curve before CAA play. In a city of Eagles, Sixers, and Phillies fans, college hoops keeps the flame alive year-round.
Lessons from the Court: Tips for Hoop Dreamers
This game offers gold for budding players. First, master the paint—like Harris, practice finishing through contact. Drill: 100 makes on closeouts daily. Second, rebounding wins wars; Drexel's 21 offensive boards nearly stole it. Tip: Box out aggressively, use leverage.
Third, free throws under pressure? Marshall's poise is key. Simulate crowds with music during practice. For guards, Acker's spacing: Off-ball cuts create threes. Team-wise, La Salle's 16 assists scream unselfishness—pass first.
Practical routine: Warm up with shooting ladders, then scrimmage with fouls. Track stats like pros. Gear up with Nike's latest—check the Nike Official Website - Shop the Latest Collection for Elite Series jerseys that wick sweat like a champ.
External source: USA Basketball's Youth Drills for more.
Looking Ahead: La Salle's Road to Redemption
With this men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win in the Big 5 Classic in the books, La Salle eyes December 13 at LIU. At 4-6, they're battle-tested. Win there, and the A-10 opener vs. Fordham looks winnable. Predictions: Harris hits 15-10 average; Marshall emerges as scorer.
Drexel hosts Howard on December 16—expect rebound focus. For La Salle fans, this momentum could spark a .500 finish in non-con.
Internal link: Our Season Preview Deep Dive nails the path forward.
Conclusion: A Win That Echoes
La Salle's 69-64 grind over Drexel was pure Big 5 magic—dominance, drama, and determination. From Harris's boards to Marshall's makes, it was a team triumph. This hard-fought win fuels dreams in a tough season.
What's your take? Drop a comment below—did the comeback scare you? Subscribe for more Philly hoops breakdowns, and follow @LaSalle_MBB on X for updates. Gear up and keep ballin'!
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions on the Game
What was the final score in the La Salle vs. Drexel Big 5 Classic game?
La Salle edged out Drexel 69-64 in a thrilling finish. The Explorers held a 41-22 halftime lead but had to weather a strong second-half push.
Who was the star player in La Salle's men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win?
Josiah Harris shone brightest with 21 points and 13 rebounds. His double-double was crucial in controlling the paint and securing the victory.
How did Drexel almost pull off the comeback?
The Dragons shot 44% in the second half, grabbed 21 offensive rebounds, and went on a 13-0 run to close within three. Late turnovers and free-throw misses doomed them.
Trending: How does this win impact La Salle's season rankings?
At 4-6, it's a morale booster but won't skyrocket NET rankings yet. It highlights defensive growth (68 points allowed), key for A-10 bubble talks. Fans on X are buzzing about postseason potential.
Trending: What's the history between La Salle and Drexel in the Big 5?
La Salle has won the last three meetings, including this one. The rivalry adds edge since Drexel's inclusion, with games often under 70 points—low-scoring slugfests.
Can I watch highlights of the men's basketball hard-fought 69-64 win?
Yes! Check NBC Sports Philly streams or ESPN's recap for clips. Full box score on ESPN.
Trending: Who should La Salle target next in recruiting after this performance?
Scouts eye versatile forwards like Harris. Trending searches show interest in 2026 wings who rebound and shoot—think 6'8" athletes for A-10 depth.
What's the atmosphere like at Big 5 Classic games?
Electric! Xfinity Arena packs with rival fans; chants and trash talk make it Philly's hoops holiday. Next year's slate is already trending on X.
Comments
Post a Comment