Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - A steady stream of free throws in overtime
was just what the Northeastern Huskies needed as they captured a 63-58 win
over the Drexel Dragons in Colonial Athletic Association action at the
Daskalakis Center.
The Huskies (8-7, 3-0 CAA), winners of three straight and four of the last
five games overall, were paced by Reggie Spencer with 17 points and seven
rebounds, followed by Quincy Ford with 14 points, the latter hitting a crucial
3-pointer in the waning moments of regulation to force overtime.
The Dragons (5-10, 1-2) were paced by Frantz Massenat who tallied a game-high
19 points, while Tavon Allen contributed 15 points and eight rebounds before
picking up his fifth personal foul.
Northeastern started out slow in the first half, managing just five points
midway through the period, but a late run by the visitors allowed them to take
a narrow 23-22 lead into the break.
In the second half both sides led by as many as four points and with just over
one minute left it appeared the hosts were on their way to a much needed win
as they held a 47-43 advantage, but a free throw by Demetrius Pollard with 51
seconds to play cut the lead to just three points.
The Huskies were able to tie the score at 47-47 with 1.9 seconds remaining in
regulation when Ford fired up an awkward, double-clutch 3-point attempt and
knocked it down. Drexel had one last desperation heave from beyond mid-court
at the buzzer but missed the mark.
Northeastern scored the first four points of overtime and it wasn't until the
3:28 mark of the extra session that the Dragons were able to register a tally
at the free-throw line by Kazembe Abif. Both Joel Smith and Jonathan Lee
converted four free throws in the extra session to push Northeastern into the
win column.
In addition to turning the ball over 21 times, Drexel was outscored at the
charity stripe, 20-12.
GAME NOTES:
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