James Butler, Camren Wynter lead Drexel past St. Joseph’s in men’s basketball
Butler and Wynter combined for 45 points in the Dragons' 78-75 victory Wednesday.
A year after being one of the catalysts for a Drexel team making its first NCAA Tournament appearance in almost three decades, James Butler showed that experience still matters in college basketball.
The 6-foot-8 graduate forward had 23 points and 11 rebounds as the Dragons handled St. Joe’s, 78-75. Butler started the game with a three-pointer from the top of the key in what became a night where he had his fair share of looks from the perimeter. It was his first double-double of the season for the Dragons (2-1).
Jordan Hall’s 20 and Taylor Funk’s 18 led St. Joseph’s (2-1).
Wynter the Difference Maker
Senior point guard Camren Wynter scored 22 points and while he showcased his ability to facilitate, he often finished one layup after the next through multiple defenders. His floater off the glass with 32 seconds remaining sealed the Dragons’ victory. Afterward, he hit three free throws to officially close things out.
Earlier, he took an outlet pass from Lamar Oden Jr. and finished through contact. He nailed the free throw and Drexel led, 51-42, with 11:35 remaining in the contest.
Wynter converted an and-1, then finished inside with a left-handed layup. On the ensuing possession, he found Melik Martin on an alley-oop to put the Dragons in front, 28-24, at the 3:18 mark of the first half.
Okros Gives Dragons an Outside Threat
Mate Okros found a role last year as a go-to shooter and that has continued through the first three games of the season. The Hungary native nailed two huge three-pointers and finished with eight points. He hit four threes against Syracuse earlier this season and drilled four in the Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) championship game last year.
The 6-6 junior ran off a handful of down screens from Butler and found his spot on the wing, including one that put the Dragons in front by three at the 14:53 mark of the opening half. With the departure of T.J. Bickerstaff (Boston College), head coach Zach Spiker has been looking for another scoring option and Okros may just be that.
Delaware 85, La Salle 82 — Ryan Allen poured in 35 points as the host Blue Hens (2-1) prevailed in overtime. Jack Clark scored 18 points to pace La Salle (1-2).