Philadelphia, PA, November 30, 2025
In a competitive clash, the Drexel University women’s basketball team narrowly lost to Saint Joseph’s University, with a final score of 57-55 at Hagan Arena. Despite leading early and putting up strong performances from Amaris Baker and Laine McGurk, the Dragons were outscored in a tight fourth quarter. The team now looks ahead to its upcoming third-place game against Temple in the Toyota Women’s Big 5 Classic, offering a chance to improve their season record and engage with local basketball enthusiasts.
Philadelphia, PA – In a competitive matchup at Hagan Arena on Saturday afternoon, the Drexel University women’s basketball team faced a tough defeat against Saint Joseph’s University, with a final score of 57-55. This loss propels the Dragons into the third-place game of the Toyota Women’s Big 5 Classic, where they will challenge Temple on December 7 at Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion.
Game Performance Overview
Drexel showcased a strong start, establishing a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter. They effectively limited Saint Joseph’s scoring to just six points in that quarter. However, the Hawks responded assertively in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to four points by halftime. As the game transitioned into the second half, Saint Joseph’s initially gained the lead in the third quarter, but Drexel fought back to regain their advantage heading into the final period. Ultimately, the Hawks outscored the Dragons 13-10 in the fourth quarter, clinching their victory with crucial free throws in the closing moments.
Key Player Highlights
Leading the scoring for Drexel, Amaris Baker delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, shooting 8-for-18 from the field and hitting 3 of 4 attempts from three-point range. Laine McGurk also made significant contributions, scoring 20 points and achieving a career-high of six successful free throws. This marked the first occasion since November 24, 2024, that two Drexel players have each scored 20 points in a single game.
Impact on Local Athletics
The outcome of this game holds implications not only for the teams involved but also for the larger Philadelphia athletics scene. With the Big 5 women’s basketball schedule fostering local rivalries, the attention on college basketball is vital for community engagement and support for student-athlete programs. The upcoming third-place game against Temple represents a key opportunity for Drexel to enhance their season record and bolster local pride in university athletics.
Upcoming Opportunities for Drexel
Looking ahead, Drexel will face American at the Daskalakis Athletic Center on December 3 at 6 p.m. This match will be available for viewing on NBC Sports Philadelphia and FloCollege, providing fans with ample opportunities to support their team. Following this, they will compete in the third-place game of the Big 5 Classic, offering another chance to energize the Drexel basketball community.
Season Performance Recap
Following their recent loss, Drexel now holds a season record of 4-3. Saint Joseph’s, having improved to 6-1 with this victory, is set to advance into the Big 5 Championship game. Drexel’s recent performance indicates a team in transition, aiming to build on the successes of key players like Baker, who previously became the 28th player in the program’s history to surpass 1,000 career points.
Understanding the Big 5 Women’s Basketball Format
In the 2025-26 Big 5 women’s basketball season, the participating teams are organized into two pods. Drexel, Penn, and Saint Joseph’s make up Pod 1, while the second pod consists of La Salle, Temple, and Villanova. Each team competes against others in their pod in a round-robin format, leading up to the championship event, highlighting the competitive spirit and community investment in college athletics.
What was the final score of the Drexel vs. Saint Joseph’s game?
The final score was Drexel 55, Saint Joseph’s 57.
Who led Drexel in scoring during the game?
Amaris Baker led Drexel with 22 points, and Laine McGurk added 20 points.
When is Drexel’s next game?
Drexel’s next game is on Wednesday, December 3, against American at 6 p.m. at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.
Where can I watch Drexel’s upcoming games?
Upcoming games can be watched on NBC Sports Philadelphia and FloCollege.
What is the Big 5 Women’s Basketball schedule?
The Big 5 Women’s Basketball season features two pods of three teams each, with Drexel, Penn, and Saint Joseph’s in Pod 1, and La Salle, Temple, and Villanova in Pod 2. Each team plays the others in their pod at on-campus sites in a round-robin format, leading to the Big 5 Championship on December 7 at Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Drexel 55, Saint Joseph’s 57 |
| Drexel’s Leading Scorers | Amaris Baker (22 points), Laine McGurk (20 points) |
| Next Game | December 3, 6 p.m. vs. American at Daskalakis Athletic Center |
| Broadcast Information | NBC Sports Philadelphia and FloCollege |
| Big 5 Championship | December 7 at Villanova’s Finneran Pavilion |
