Philadelphia, PA – The Saint Joseph’s Hawks (SJU) escaped with a 75-73 win against the George Mason Patriots (GMU). George Mason has owned this series with a 10-6 advantage. They also had won the last five matchups in Hagan arena before tonight. In terms of ramifications, a win tonight was important to both teams as they looked to separate themselves from a dense middle back in the Atlantic 10 Conference. A win tonight would improve Mason to 5-3 in A-10 play, the Hawks to 4-4.
However, after a night of back and forth basketball, the Hawks were able to snap Mason’s win streak at Hagan. Christ Essandoko and Erik Reynolds II made their free throws in the final few seconds to give the Hawks a 75-73 win.
A Street Fight
As mentioned, with big aspirations for the A-10 tournament, both teams were in need of a win. Saint Joe’s was coming off a hard FridA10 loss to Saint Bonaventure. Mason was looking to add to their two game win streak and create separation from the middle of the conference.
Knowing this, one could easily predict that this matchup was going to be a street fight, and that is exactly what we got. Mason and Saint Joe’s traded baskets throughout the first and second half. Both teams could only extend to a maximum lead of five points before the other would catch back up. This game was destined to come down to the end, and it was going to be a matter of executing inbounding, free throws and defense in the final few minutes of play.
For Saint Joe’s, it was defense and free throws that came in clutch. In the final minute of play, Rasheer Flemming, in what looked like a block, disrupted a Keyshawn Hall wide open three. Christ Essandoka was able to grab the missed shot. He was then fouled and sent to the free throw line. Christ made both shots and put the Hawks up 74-70.
However, Mason did not give up. With two seconds left, Baraka Okojie made an unbelievable three point shot. This forced Saint Joe’s to inbound the ball one more time. This was a dangerous position for SJU given the numerous turnovers and mistakes in the last two minutes of play. Luckily, the Hawks executed the inbound correctly and got the ball to Reynolds who would sink a free throw and grow the lead to sound three points.
A Game of Improvements for the Hawks
The start of this game was shaky at best for both teams. A combination of bad offense, and good defense, led to a first half with both teams scoring in the low 30’s.
For Saint Joe’s they slowly improved throughout the game, but not without their fair share of mistakes to start. Lynn Greer III had a few head scratching passes in the first half. He turned the ball over multiple times on failed lob attempts. The Hawks also had a hard time at first guarding the pick and roll, leaving open players under the basket. Despite that, the Hawks were able to tighten up their play. They generated multiple steals toward the end of the first half which resulted in some easy fast break baskets.
Saint Joe’s big men were also critical. They controlled the glass against Mason’s Keyshawn Hall who leads the A10 in rebounds per game. They also generated seven blocks to Mason’s one. Overall, a good showing from Rasheer Flemming and Christ Essandoko. Fleming especially, who contributed to the offense with 14 points.
Summary
In summary, this was a 50/50 game. Credit to George Mason, they did not give this one away for free. But, Saint Joe’s was able to execute when it mattered. It wasn’t pretty. There was poor inbounding and ball security. Not to mention Reynolds stepping out of bounds on what we all thought was Saint Joe’s final scoring opportunity (luckily it wasn’t). But even after all those mistakes, the entire team, all nine guys who stepped on the court, did what was asked of them and they got the win.
A good bounce back win for SJU, and a reminder that this team has to tackle the season game by game. Forget about the last one, and on to the next one, which for Saint Joe’s will be Saturday’s matchup against cross town rival La Salle. The game is scheduled for 12:00pm tip off, and will be aired on ESPN U.