DUKES FALL 68-57 AT DREXEL IN MEN'S BASKETBALL

Wednesday, December 7

Philadelphia, Pa.

TBA

James Madison University

2-3, 0-2

Drexel

4-5, 1-0

JMU

Drexel

12/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Dec. 7, 2005 – Kenell Sanchez and Dominick Mejia each scored 21 points, and Drexel was in front throughout the final 24 minutes while posting a 68-57 Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball victory over James Madison Wednesday.

The host Dragons (4-5, 1-0) went in front to stay 25-24 on a Bashir Mason layup with 4:04 left in the first half, led 31-27 at halftime and were in control for most of the final half while breaking a five-game losing streak. JMU (2-3, 0-2) scored the initial field goal of the second half, but Drexel increased its advantage to 36-29 with 18:31 remaining and led by at least four points the rest of the way.

The Dukes last were within four at 48-44 with 9:49 to play, but a 10-2 scoring run gave Drexel a 58-46 lead with 6:04 left. JMU pulled to within 63-57 on two free throws by freshman guard Joe Posey (Colonial Beach, Va./Notre Dame Academy) with 2:23 remaining but didn't score again.

Sanchez hit on five of 10 shots from the field and on 11 of 12 free throws and had eight rebounds. Mejia had three three-point field goals and hit on 10 of 12 attempts from the foul line. The Dragons converted on 29 of 42 free throws overall, taking advantage of 31 JMU fouls.

Drexel shot 39.1 percent (18-46) to JMU's 35.6 percent (21-59) and had a 47-31 rebounding edge. JMU committed 15 turnovers and the Dragons 21. The Dukes hit on 12 of 20 free throws.

JMU got 19 points, including 15 during the first half, from junior guard Ray Barbosa (Allentown, Pa./William Allen). He hit on eight of 14 shots in 35 minutes. Senior guard Daniel Freeman (Waynesboro, Va./Waynesboro) added 12 points and three assists and junior forward Cavell Johnson (Fort Washington, Md./Notre Dame Academy) 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists for the Dukes.

JMU returns to action Sunday (Dec. 11) in a 2 p.m. home game with 4-0 La Salle.