FAIRFIELD, Conn. — On Tuesday night, Shane Blakeney emerged as a key player off the bench, contributing 16 points to propel Drexel to a 67-61 victory over Fairfield.

Blakeney also recorded nine rebounds, showcasing his versatility for the Dragons, who improved their season record to 3-2. Yame Butler proved to be another crucial asset for Drexel, scoring 14 points with an impressive shooting performance that included 5 of 6 from the field and a perfect 4 for 4 from the free-throw line. Additionally, Kobe Magee contributed by adding 12 points, with a solid 4 of 10 shooting, including 3 for 5 from the three-point range.

On the other side, the Stags (2-3) had a strong showing from Prophet Johnson, who filled stat sheets with 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Louis Bleechmore also made an impact by matching Johnson’s point total with 12 points and pulling down six rebounds.

In the first half, Blakeney was particularly effective, scoring 10 points, which helped Drexel establish a lead of 33-21 at halftime. The game’s momentum shifted as the second half progressed, culminating in a critical moment where Drexel took the lead for good with just 1:42 remaining. This pivotal layup from Butler put the score at 61-59, setting the stage for Drexel’s win.

Overall, it was a competitive matchup, with both teams exhibiting moments of skill and determination, but Drexel ultimately showcased a stronger performance at crucial times to secure the victory.