PHILADELPHIA, PA. 12/1/2012 – The Drexel Dragons got a career-high 28 points from Sophomore guard Damion Lee, but turnovers would be the deciding factor as the Broncs of Rider come away with a 75 – 66 win at the DAC. Drexel committed 19 turnovers that led to 23 points for Rider. Drexel Coach Bruiser Flint felt that was the difference and an ongoing problem for his team.
“That’s the way we played all year,” said Flint. “We had period of the game where we were absolutely awful. It’s been biting us, and that’s what happens. We just threw the ball to them.”
The momentum of the game changed into the direction of Rider in the middle of the second half. Lee put the Dragons ahead by a 46 – 37 score at the 13:27 mark. From there Rider went on a 14 – 0 run to take a five pont lead. The run was due to the Rider pressure that forced four Drexel turnovers. After two more Drexel mistakes Rider held a 58 – 51 lead at the 6:20 mark. Lee and Rider guard, and Philadelphia native, Nurideen Lindsay had a scoring duel as each would score 9 consecutive points for their team. Lindsay finished with 12 points. Lee tied the score at 60 with two free throws with 4:01 on the clock. Over the next three minutes and 16 seconds Rider pulled away with a 9 – 2 run to give Rider a win that took a bit of the sting out of their loss to LaSalle earlier this week.”It’s a great win for us especially after the way we lost to LaSalle where we didn’t finish the right way,” said Rider Coach Kevin Baggett. “These guys did a great job of responding. It was the most consistent we’ve been on both ends of the floor.”
“This is a signature win for us this season.”
Lee made 9 of 21 shots, 2 three-pointers, and all 8 of his free throws. The Sophomore also contributed 8 rebounds. Sophomore guard Frantz Massenat scored 10 points, dished out 4 assists, but committed 6 turnovers. Senior guard Derrick Thomas had 13 points. Junior forward Dartaye Ruffin pulled down a game-high 9 rebounds, but fouled out in the game. Ruffin and Senior forward Daryl McCoy scored 3 points each. Flint believes his big men need to contribute more.
“We had foul trouble, but you have to be ready to score around the basket,” said Flint. “Our guys need to understand they have a responsibility to the team. For the guys who were here last year, some responsibilities are different. Guys have to adjust to that. For the guys here last year, your responsibilities are different, they have changed. You have to understand what you are responsible for. We are not getting that right now.”
Philadelphian Daniel Stewart led Rider with 21 points. Guard Jonathon Thompson scored 14 points.
Rider converted 25 of 48 field goal attempts (52.1%), while Drexel was 21 – 53 (39.6%). Rider had a 10 point advantage in points in the paint, and a 9 point edge in points off turnovers. In the end it was the miscues that cost Drexel.
“We just threw the ball to them,” said Flint.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Twitter: @Phillycolsports
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