McCoy leading Drexel to strong start

A big reason for Drexel's 5-1 start is Daryl McCoy's play. Last season, the 6-9 McCoy was just big physically. Now, during his sophomore season, McCoy is contributing more scoring and rebounding.

With career-highs 15 points and 18 rebounds McCoy was a force in the Dragons 62-50 recent victory over Saint Joseph's. He is averaging 6.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, second on the team to Samme Givens's 11.0 rebounds. The Hartford, Conn., product is shooting .680 from the field.

"Daryl is doing the things we recruited him to do," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "Last year, he was a freshman, and the biggest jump is from freshman to sophomore year. He has a better feel for the game and is more comfortable. He worked at it and has gotten better."

McCoy and 6-8 freshman Dartaye Ruffin give the Dragons an effective interior presence they haven't had for several seasons. Ruffin is averaging 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds.

As a freshman, McCoy started 28 of Drexel's 32 games. In many games, especially near the end of the season, he played less than 10 minutes. He scored just 41 points all season while averaging 4.1 rebounds. He needs just three points to equal his last season total.

Drexel hosts Rider Saturday at 4 p.m. before heading to Louisville for a Tuesday matchup (ESPNU, 9 p.m.).