Drexel returns six of their top seven scorers from last season. The Explorers lost their big man and may have trouble protecting the paint and rebounding. LaSalle did bring back three of their top four guards, but again, will struggle in the frontcourt against the Dragon’s Amari Williams. Drexel has the experienced guard play to match the Explorers and take advantage of the mismatches downlow.

The Big 5 added Drexel in 2023-24. The Dragons HC Zach Spiker has improved Drexels defense every year and his pace as gone from 70 possessions to 63. Their defensive ratings has gone from the high 200's to the low 100's. They were ranked in the low 300 for 3pt shooting and free throws last year. LaSalle's Fran Dunphy is in his 2nd season for the Explorer but he is no stranger to Big 6 basketball after 13 years at Temple. Dunphy had five defense ranked 52nd or better during that time. My model has the total at 127.5