November 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Men's College Basketball

Drexel University 72, Rider University 60

PHILADELPHIA, PA--Years from now, when Rider basketball fans are talking about the great Bronc named Johnson, it may not be three-time All-MAAC guard Jerry Johnson, who graduated in 2005 with over 2,000 career points. It may just be Lamar Johnson, who shook off a tough collegiate debut against Bucknell by showing his true colors at Drexel Monday.

“Lamar showed me a lot tonight,” said Rider interim head coach Tommy Dempsey. 

Trailing 19-14, Rider (0-2) went on an 11-3 run, seven of those points scored by freshman Lamar Johnson (Scranton, PA), to take a 25-22 lead with 4:30 left in the first half. Johnson scored a team-high 19 points in just his second collegiate game, making 6 of 10 shots from the field and all four of his foul shots, and added four rebounds and a pair of steals in 29 minutes of action.

In his Bronc debut, Johnson failed to score and had one rebound in 24 minutes of playing time. “I wouldn’t say I was nervous against Bucknell, but tonight I definitely felt more comfortable,” said Johnson.  “Rider and Drexel have similar home courts, with the same type of atmosphere.”

Dominick Mejia scored 19 points, and Bashir Mason added 18, to lead Drexel to victory over Rider Monday evening.

Trailing 36-34, Drexel (3-0) went on a 16-2 run, 8 points by Mason, to take a 50-38 lead with 10 minutes left to play. Mason made 9 of 10 foul shots, including seven of eight in the final two minutes.

Rider jumped out to a 12-6 lead, eight points by junior Terrance Mouton (Lafayette, LA/Acadiana). Mouton finished with 13 points.

The score was tied at 29-29 at the half, as Lamar Johnson had nine points. The first half featured four ties and five lead changes.

Kenell Sanchez had 11 of Drexel’s 29 first half points, and finished with 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Sophomore Jason Thompson (Mt. Laurel/Lenape) had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Broncs, but committed eight turnovers. “They swarmed me tonight and played great defense,” Thompson said, “but I just didn’t do the job.”

“Bucknell and Drexel are two of the toughest defenses we’re going to see,” said Dempsey.  “We haven’t found our offensive identity yet, and part of that is who we’ve played. Offensively, it was a struggle tonight,” said Dempsey. “Two of our veterans didn’t even score.” Rider senior Edwin Muniz (Passaic) was held scoreless in just 16 minutes of action due to foul trouble. It was the first time Muniz failed to score since the fifth game of last season. Senior starting forward Paul Johnson (Virginia Beach, VA/Salem) also failed to score in 24 minutes of action.

Rider returns home to host Boston University Saturday afternoon.

-RU-