Preview: Drexel Dragons at Campbell Fightin’ Camels LILLINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions will meet Thursday when the Drexel Dragons visit the Campbell Fightin’ Camels in a Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball matchup at the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center. The Dragons (12-11) have won six of their last seven games, including a narrow 61-60 victory over North Carolina A&T on Saturday. Drexel has relied on a stout defense during its surge, holding opponents to an average of 56.7 points over its last three wins. Drexel is led by guard Shane Blakeney, who is averaging 15.1 points per game during the team’s hot stretch. He nearly posted a double-double in the win over North Carolina A&T, scoring 19 points with nine rebounds. Campbell (10-13) has lost five of its last seven but is coming off an explosive 104-96 road win at William & Mary. The Fightin’ Camels’ offense runs through high-scoring guard DJ Smith, who poured in a season-high 39 points in that victory. Smith has scored 20 or more points in five of his last seven contests, averaging 26.1 points per game in that span. While Campbell boasts the more potent individual scorer in Smith, Drexel has displayed better consistency and defensive cohesion in recent weeks. The Dragons’ winning formula has featured balanced contributions; in the win over Hampton last week, Eli Beard added 12 points and Kevon Vanderhorst dished out five assists. For Campbell, support for Smith against William & Mary came from Jeremiah Johnson, who had 18 points and five assists. This game is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, who will meet again in Philadelphia on Feb. 26. Both squads are looking to improve their positioning for the upcoming CAA tournament. The matchup pits Drexel’s recent defensive momentum against a Campbell team capable of offensive fireworks, setting the stage for a contrast in styles Thursday afternoon in Lillington.