Drexel hopes to continue success in CAA tourney
By: Brett Fischer
Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 3/2/07 at 10:51 AM EST
Last update: 3/2/07 at 10:54 AM EST
Originally published: 3/2/07 at 10:51 AM EST
Last update: 3/2/07 at 10:54 AM EST
Unless a miracle happens and VCU loses its first game, it will play Drexel in the semifinals. This is the game that Drexel needed the most in order to secure its shot at an at-large bid. Before the tournament even started, the Dragons needed to make sure that they did well in the tournament and that VCU didn't win the tournament. With a win here, both secondary goals are complete. (Drexel's primary goal is, obviously, to win the tournament itself.) VCU is the most overrated team in the conference. It beat Old Dominion once and Drexel once, without the Dragons' leading scorer in Frank Elegar. If Drexel guard Dominick Mejia shoots well and the Drexel defense plays like it normally does, the Dragons should be able to overcome the dangerous VCU guards B.A. Walker, Eric Maynor and Jesse Pellot-Rosa.
I am predicting that the championship game will be between ODU and Drexel. Hofstra is an underrated team and has arguably the best scoring guard tandem and trio in the country. But to beat Old Dominion in Richmond may be too difficult for the Pride to accomplish. It is possible for Hofstra to win, just unlikely.
ODU has the advantages of playing close to home and defeating Drexel twice already this season. Monarchs' guard Valdas Vasylius is their most dangerous player, averaging
16 points and six rebounds a game. But he alone is not what is going to hurt the Dragons. ODU has the deepest bench in the CAA, and all of them are threats. Eight players are averaging at least 18 minutes a game, which is unheard of for a team of Old Dominion's caliber. Even if Vasylius and guard Drew Williamson struggle, players off the bench will contribute. The only way Drexel is going to win this game is by taking good shots on offense, forcing bad shots on defense and staying out of foul trouble. If Elegar or Crawford gets into foul trouble early, ODU could blow out the Dragons. In addition, Drexel can't get hurt by the picks. Last time these two teams played in Virginia, ODU embarrassed Drexel 84-57.
I am predicting that the championship game will be between ODU and Drexel. Hofstra is an underrated team and has arguably the best scoring guard tandem and trio in the country. But to beat Old Dominion in Richmond may be too difficult for the Pride to accomplish. It is possible for Hofstra to win, just unlikely.
ODU has the advantages of playing close to home and defeating Drexel twice already this season. Monarchs' guard Valdas Vasylius is their most dangerous player, averaging
16 points and six rebounds a game. But he alone is not what is going to hurt the Dragons. ODU has the deepest bench in the CAA, and all of them are threats. Eight players are averaging at least 18 minutes a game, which is unheard of for a team of Old Dominion's caliber. Even if Vasylius and guard Drew Williamson struggle, players off the bench will contribute. The only way Drexel is going to win this game is by taking good shots on offense, forcing bad shots on defense and staying out of foul trouble. If Elegar or Crawford gets into foul trouble early, ODU could blow out the Dragons. In addition, Drexel can't get hurt by the picks. Last time these two teams played in Virginia, ODU embarrassed Drexel 84-57.
