PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless defensive pressure and a cascade of turnovers, the Drexel Dragons capitalized on Mount Saint Mary’s mistakes to secure a 75-67 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday night at Daskalakis Athletic Center.

The Dragons improved to 5-7 on the season, while the Mountaineers fell to 3-9.

The most pivotal stretch of the contest came not with a singular shot, but with a sustained defensive onslaught from Drexel that spanned both halves. Leading 38-33 at halftime, the Dragons opened the second period with a decisive 7-0 run, fueled entirely by Mount Saint Mary’s errors. Drexel guard Shane Blakeney stole the ball on the Mountaineers’ first two possessions of the half, converting one into a layup, as the hosts built a 45-33 lead just over two minutes into the period. This burst established a double-digit cushion that Mount Saint Mary’s would threaten but never overcome, as Drexel’s defense consistently generated transition opportunities.

Blakeney, a junior from Rock Hill, South Carolina, spearheaded the Dragons’ effort with 14 points, six assists and a game-high four steals. His backcourt mate, Kevon Vanderhorst of Raleigh, North Carolina, added 11 points and four assists, while Eli Beard contributed 11 points and three assists off the bench. The Dragons’ defensive activity was comprehensive, amassing 14 steals and forcing 23 Mountaineer turnovers, which they converted into 31 points.

Mount Saint Mary’s guard Xavier Lipscomb led all scorers with 16 points and added three assists, fighting to keep his team within reach. Trey Deveaux and Arlandus Keyes each scored 14 points for the Mountaineers, with Keyes adding 12 in the second half. The visitors shot a respectable 42.9% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range but were undone by their ball security and Drexel’s efficiency.

The Dragons were markedly more effective inside, outscoring the Mountaineers 32-18 in the paint, and capitalized at the free-throw line, making 19 of 23 attempts. Drexel also shared the ball effectively, recording 14 assists on 24 made field goals. Forward Victor Panov of St. Petersburg, Russia, provided a crucial inside-out presence with 16 points, and 7-foot-1 center Ralph Akuta of Ijamsville, Maryland, chipped in 11 points and two blocks in just 17 minutes.

Despite the turnover disparity, Mount Saint Mary’s showed resilience. After falling behind by 12 early in the second half, they clawed back to within five points on multiple occasions. A three-pointer from Arlandus Keyes with 7:11 remaining cut Drexel’s lead to 56-51, and a driving layup from Xavier Lipscomb made it 71-67 with just 22 seconds left. Each time, however, Drexel answered, often from the foul line, to keep the Mountaineers at bay.

The final minute encapsulated the game’s theme. After Lipscomb’s layup brought Mount Saint Mary’s within four, Drexel’s Shane Blakeney immediately stripped Arlandus Keyes on the ensuing inbounds play and raced for a clinching layup with 11 seconds left, effectively sealing the outcome.

Drexel, which entered the game as a 4.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, saw the total score of 142 fall just under the pregame over/under line of 141.5. The Dragons next host Maine on Sunday. Mount Saint Mary’s returns home to face Penn State Brandywine, also on Sunday.