Drexel Preparing For Early Hoops Opener

Drexel's men's basketball team is getting its season off to an early start – well before even classes are ready to begin for the day.
The Dragons opener is Tuesday at Rider beginning at 6 a.m. Yes, that's not a misprint. It's part of the ESPN 24 hours of basketball.
Actually, Drexel was hoping to play a game before this, but according to coach Bruiser Flint, things didn't work out.
Still, the exposure is invaluable to a Drexel program that has been the preseason pick to win the ultra-competitive Colonial Athletic Association.
"It's an ESPN game and I am sure everybody will be up for it," said Drexel 6-5 forward Samme Givens, the only CAA player to average a double-double last year (12.2 ppg., 10.1 rpg.). "It's kind of hard at 6 a.m. and it will be a little struggle but we'll be up for it."
While Drexel is opening its season, Rider is already 0-2, having lost 83-57 on Friday at Robert Morris and 86-78 on Sunday at Pitt.
Senior Rider guard Jeff Jones of Monsignor Bonner, is a transfer from Virginia, who has averaged 14.5 points in his first two games for the Broncs.