The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (15) and the Drexel Dragons (eight) will try to put an end to their respective losing streaks when they play at Bob Carpenter Center Acierno Arena. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 11.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens are hoping to rebound after their 90-64 loss to William & Mary in their last matchup. Kory Holden was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points. The Dragons, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their ugly 60-38 loss against Charleston in their last game. Tyshawn Myles had a good game for Drexel, accounting for five points, seven rebounds, and one block.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Delaware ranks 273rd in possessions per game (67.3), while Drexel is 308th (66.4).
The Fightin’ Blue Hens come into this game 5-18 Straight Up (SU) and 7-13-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Fightin’ Blue Hens have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 57.9 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 67.5 points per game. Delaware’s defense has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average points allowed per game dropped to 69.4 during that span, compared to its 77.4 season average. Delaware will look to take advantage of the Dragons and their propensity to foul. Drexel ranks 332nd in the nation in fouls, averaging 22.5 per game.
Over on the other bench, the Dragons have records of 9-12-1 ATS and 3-20 SU. Offensively, the Dragons have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 62.2 points per game by averaging 68.4 during that stretch. The Dragons average 71.0 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 82.7 points per game during that span. The Dragons allow very few three-pointers on defense with 5.0 given up per game.
This game marks the season’s first head-to-head clash between these conference foes. Their previous game was a Fightin’ Blue Hens victory, bringing the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over their most recent meetings. With a 6-4 record, the Dragons have the advantage ATS. Delaware and Drexel each held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once over the last five matchups.
Predictions: SU Winner – Drexel, ATS Winner – Drexel
Notes
“Delaware is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games “.
“Delaware is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games “.
“Delaware is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home”.
“Delaware is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home”.
“Delaware is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Drexel”.
“The total has gone OVER in 6 of Delaware’s last 8 games when playing Drexel”.
“Delaware is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Drexel”.
“Delaware is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Drexel”.
While Drexel is struggling at 1-11 against the Colonial Athletic, Delaware remains winless at 0-12 SU.
The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens average 67.3 possessions and 1.003 points per possession in games this season. The Drexel Dragons average fewer possessions with 66.4, as well as fewer points per possession with .937.
Delaware has an average effective field goal percentage of 45.1%. Drexel is an underachieving 1-17 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Delaware, the 100th-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 37.9 rebounds per game. Drexel does worse, ranked 291st with 33.7.
Delaware has forced an average turnover percentage of 14.3% this season. Drexel has a subpar 3-14 record when its TO% is 14.3% or higher.
