The Drexel Dragons used a strong second half to run away with an 80-62 season-opening victory against Rider. The game began at 6 a.m. as part of ESPN's Tip-Off Marathon.
Samme Givens and Frantz Massenat both scored 21 points for Drexel, and the Dragons seized control after entering halftime tied at 28. Givens and Massenat exploded after halftime, scoring a combined 30 points in the second half as Drexel shot 60% after intermission.
Drezel trailed 26-18 with 4:11 remaining in the first half, but finished the half on a 10-2 run to enter halftime with momentum and a tie score.
Freshman Damion Lee impressed in his collegiate debut, scoring 14 points while adding five assists. The guard also contributed nine rebounds, though he shot just 1-8 three-pointers. Derrick Thomas pitched in nine points, Dartaye Ruffin score eight and Kazembe Abif had seven points, four rebounds and two blocks.
-- For more Drexel basketball coverage, visit our team page.