Hawks Snap Skid; Hakim Warrick Classic Tomorrow

On Saturday evening, the Hawks got their first win of 2011, beating UMass 67-64. The win snapped a 9-game losing streak, and gave the Hawks their first win since New Years Eve against Siena. Saint Joseph's played the game without leading scorer, sophomore guard Tay Jones, who missed the game with an ankle sprain that he suffered yesterday during practice. Senior guard Charoy Bentley got the start in his place, playing 32 minutes for the Hawks. The Hawks were led by freshman guard Langston Galloway, who went 6-6 from three en route to his game-high 25 points. The only other double-digit scorer for SJU was freshman Daryus Quarles, who finished with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

Saint Joseph's held a 4-point lead going into the half, and increased the lead to 13 with roughly 9 minutes to go in the game. Behind hot shooting from guards Freddie Riley and Anthony Gurley down the stretch, the lead was whittled all the way down to 1. Senior forward Idris Hilliard hit two critical free throws for the Hawks in the final seconds, and SJU escaped with their first conference win of the year. UMass out-rebounded Saint Joseph's 42-23 and shot 42% from three. However, the Mintemen only connected on 6 of 14 free throws, and turned the ball over 15 times to the Hawks' 7.

The Hawks have a week off before facing off with Fordham next Sunday in New Jersey.





The Hakim Warrick Classic will take place tomorrow afternoon at Philadelphia University. I will be on hand for the games, so check back on Monday for a recap. The schedule is as follows:

Neshaminy vs. Penn Wood- Noon

Friends' Central vs. Saint Anthony- 1:45

Shabazz vs. Lower Merion- 3:30



The games feature a number of highly-regarded players. 2012 Villanova commit Ryan Arcidiacono stars for Neshaminy, and will face off against 2011 West Virginia University commit Aaron Brown. Friends' Central stars senior Devin Coleman and one of the best juniors in America, Amile Jefferson. Another elite 2012 recruit, 6'8 guard/forward Kyle Anderson headlines a loaded Saint Anthony roster. The Friars are currently ranked as the #1 high school team in America. Again, I will be on hand for the games, so check back on Monday for a recap.