Double-double by Givens helps Drexel withstand late rally by Towson 52-49

Drexel hangs on to defeat Towson 52-49

TOWSON, Md. — Samme Givens had his second double-double of the year and tied a career-high with 16 rebounds as Drexel defeated Towson 52-49 on Wednesday night.

The Dragons (9-9, 4-2 Colonial Athletic Association) led 45-33 with 12:29 remaining, but the Tigers (3-12, 0-6) got within 50-47 with 2:32 remaining after Troy Franklin stole a pass and went the length of the court for a layup.

Neither team could score until the final minute, when Jamie Harris sank a pair of free throws to put Drexel up by five.

Calvin Lee hit a short jumper with 3.9 seconds left for the Tigers. They fouled Gerald Colds, who missed the first shot of a 1-and-1 attempt. Lee’s shot from three-quarter court hit the backboard.

Givens and Colds scored 10 points each to lead Drexel’s scoring, and Evan Neisler came off the bench to score nine points.

Lee and Jarrel Smith scored 11 apiece to pace Towson.