The Guru Postgame Scout: Drexel Drowns Drought at Saint Joseph’s

Another in our on-going anonymous specialist givng insight. Since no games Monday, the games of Saturday and Sunday will be caught up and blended together.

St Joes jumped out to an early lead by getting to the rim off the bounce. Aylssa Monaghan handled Drexel’s defense and single handedly got herself to the rim.  But the game was back and forth as each team had periods where they controlled the momentum.

 

The Hawks showed a full court pressure that slowed down Drexel’s offense.    However, when Drexel got out of the backcourt trap quickly, they were able to go coast to coast scoring at the rim.

 

St Joes inside game is impressive.  Their post players have great hands and use their bodies effectively.  They split defenders, gather and power through the defense.  They use their shoulders to create space, then elevate and score off the glass. Drexel could not handle the physicality of St. Joe’s inside game.  

 

St Joe’s ran their sets well and controlled much of the first half.   The Hawks offense runs through the hands of the point guard using ball screens to create space and movement.  Once in a rhythm St Joe’s scores easily.

 

Toward the end of the second quarter, Drexel disrupted St Joe’s offensive rhythm and point guard play by trapping the ball screens.   St Joes turned the ball over or took forced shots as time ran out on the 30 sec. clock. Momentum shifted toward the Dragons.

 

St. Joe’s could not match the speed of Drexel’s perimeter players.  Drexel beat St. Joes’ first line of defense and the Hawk’s help side rotation was late.  Drexel scored at the rim.

 

Both teams zoned, but Drexel’s zone effectively limited St Joe’s post touches and forced turnovers as the shot clock wound down.

 

Drexel’s Greenberg, Brown and Marecic were able to penetrate St Joes defense and create scoring opportunities.  But it was defense that tipped this seesaw game to theDragons.