WASHINGTON, D.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant first-half performance and a frantic second-half comeback that fell just short, the Drexel Dragons held off the Northeastern Huskies 84-77 in a Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball game Saturday at CareFirst Arena.

Drexel, which improved to 17-15 overall, seized control from the opening tip, building a 17-point halftime lead behind efficient shooting and a disruptive defense. The Dragons shot 51% from the field in the first half, including 6-of-11 from three-point range, while limiting Northeastern to 22 points on 30% shooting. The Huskies managed only five assists against seven turnovers in the opening period, struggling to find any offensive rhythm against Drexel’s length and activity.

The Dragons’ early surge was a collective effort. Victor Panov, a 6-foot-7 forward from St. Petersburg, Russia, scored 11 of his 16 points before halftime, hitting three first-half three-pointers. Seven-foot-one center Martin de Laporterie of France provided an immediate interior presence, contributing eight points, five rebounds and a block in the first half. Eli Beard of Drexel added eight points as the home team methodically built a 39-22 advantage by the intermission.

The most important part of the game, however, was the dramatic and sustained offensive explosion from Northeastern’s Mike Loughnane in the second half. The 6-foot-4 guard from Quincy, Massachusetts, almost single-handedly willed the Huskies back into contention. After scoring just five points in the first half, Loughnane erupted for 24 points after the break, finishing with a game-high 29 points to go with six assists in 40 minutes.

Fueled by Loughnane’s scoring barrage, Northeastern outscored Drexel 55-45 in the second half. The Huskies shot 50% from the field after halftime and began generating turnovers, converting 12 Drexel giveaways into opportunities. A driving layup by Xavier Abreu, who had 13 points, cut the Drexel lead to 61-59 with just over four minutes remaining, capping a remarkable 37-point swing from the 17-point halftime deficit.

Drexel, however, had an answer every time Northeastern threatened. With the lead trimmed to two, the Dragons relied on Beard’s composure and their ability to draw fouls. Beard, who finished with 21 points, repeatedly attacked the basket and drew shooting fouls in the bonus, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line in the final 1:29 of the game. As a team, Drexel attempted 38 free throws, making 26, compared to Northeastern’s 22 attempts.

Garfield Turner provided crucial interior play for Drexel, scoring 12 points, blocking two shots and drawing several key fouls. Kevon Vanderhorst orchestrated the offense with nine points and five assists. When Northeastern was forced to foul in the final minute, Drexel’s shooters sealed the game at the line, preventing the Huskies from ever possessing the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead after the four-minute mark.

Despite the loss, Northeastern received strong second-half contributions from Liam Koelsch, who scored all 14 of his points after halftime, and Abreu. The Huskies, however, were hampered by poor three-point shooting all afternoon, connecting on just 5-of-22 from beyond the arc. Drexel’s superior efficiency, shooting 51% overall and 47% from three-point range, ultimately proved the difference.

The game was a contrast in styles and execution. Drexel recorded only four assists but committed just seven turnovers, valuing possession and capitalizing at the free-throw line. Northeastern had seven assists but was less efficient from the floor, needing 63 field goal attempts to Drexel’s 49 to reach its total.

The victory gave Drexel a regular-season sweep of the series, having also defeated Northeastern 70-61 on Feb. 19. The Huskies fell to 7-24 with the defeat. An announced crowd of 1,557 watched the contest, which exceeded the pregame over/under total.