La Salle Explorers (0-0) vs Drexel Dragons (0-0)
Game Info: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 6:30 pm (Tom Gola Arena)
Betting Odds: La Salle Explorers +1.5 -- Over/Under: 136.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Drexel Dragons will make the 15-minute trip to Tom Gola Arena to face the La Salle Explorers in the Big 5 Classic on ESPN+. These two Philly-based programs have faced off 15 times, with La Salle holding a 10-5 series lead, despite Drexel winning last year’s meeting on the road by seven, 65-58.
Drexel Dragons Preview
Drexel went 17-15 last season, with a 10-8 record in CAA play. The Dragons ended their campaign with a loss to UNC-Wilmington in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament, and they’ll be looking to break through after their third straight winning season.
Drexel scored 66.7 points per game, on 43% shooting, while allowing 62.4 ppg during the 2022-23 season. The Dragons return a good chunk of last year’s squad, as six of their top seven scorers are still in play for the 2023-24 season. The play of senior forward Amari Williams (13.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg) will go a long way in this one, and he played well in all three of their Philly-based matchups last season, including a 14-point double-double in last year’s win over La Salle.
La Salle Explorers Preview
La Salle went 15-19 last season, with a 7-11 record in Atlantic 10 play. The Explorers campaign ended in the quarterfinals of the A10 tournament with a loss to Fordham, and they’ll look to improve their win total for the third straight season.
La Salle scored 69.8 points per game, on 42% shooting, while allowing 72.6 ppg. The Bulldogs have to replace some size in the frontcourt, but they retain three of their top four guards, including leading scorer Khalil Brantley. The Bronx native finished with strong averages of 14.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 4.1 apg), and the Explorers will lean on his production heavily again this season.
Drexel vs La Salle Trends
DREX is 0-0 against the spread, with a 0-0 O/U record
LAS is 0-0 ATS, with a 0-0 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
I’m a fan of the experience and the size advantage Drexel brings into this inner-city contest. The Dragons essentially have the same rotation as last season, and after improving by five wins last Winter, we could see even more progression early on for this group. Khalil Brantley will keep La Salle in this one at home, let’s lean on Drexel’s continuity for this Big 5 Classic matchup.