Saint Joseph’s Downs Richmond 83 – 67 – Atlantic 10 Tournament Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 3/1/2023 –
The Saint Joseph’s Hawks snapped a four-game losing streak defeating the Richmond Spiders on Senior Night at the Hagan Arena. With the conclusion of the regular season, the Hawks turn their attention to the Atlantic 10 Tournament next week. They will go into the tournament on a positive note, more so than with just a win.
“The win is great because that they can feel,” said Saint Joseph’s Coach Billy Lange. “But I am mostly encouraged and enthused by the spirit.”
The Guards Carried the Hawks
Saint Joseph’s came into the game down two forwards as Kacper Klaczek and Ejike Obinna did not play due to injury. The tandem of Erik Reynolds II, Lynn Greer III, and Cameron Brown lead the Hawks in scoring scoring 67 of the 83 points. Reynolds II matched his career-high scoring 33 points. Greer III had 20 and Brown 14 points. And the backcourt added rebounds, assists, and steals. They feel the offensive production was the direct result of production on the other end of the floor.
“I think it started with our defense,” said Reynolds II. “That’s what motivated us on the offensive end. The more energy we had on the defensive side just got us going. We just kept moving it and getting everybody involved. We just had a lot of fun out there, smiling a lot.”
Richmond turned the ball over 10 times leading to a 19 – 6 advantage in points off turnovers for St. Joe’s
Forward Rasheer Fleming added 9 points a collegiate-best 12 rebounds, and a team-high tying 3 assists.
“I just want to give a big shout out to Rasheer Fleming,” said Greer III. “He played his heart out tonight. He had 12 rebounds, hit crucial three’s, he just played really hard. He kicked the ball out at the right time finding us. Charles Coleman did a good job when he was in there.”
The Key Stretch
With 3:13 to play in the first half Greer III hit a three-pointer to give the Hawks a 32 – 24 lead. It began a streak of seven consecutive made three-point field goals that lasted until 13:17 to go in the second half where Saint Joe’s lead 50 – 37. In addition to the baskets from distance, the Hawks also had three free throws. Reynolds II made a long three at the buzzer ending the first half. In the run Reynolds II drained three from beyond the arc while Greer III and Fleming sank two. This helped to keep the Spiders at bay.
“We needed every one of these threes,” Lange said. “We use the three point shot a lot as a weapon for us, not just for taking of it, but the spacing and the threat that it provides for us to get to the rim.”
Over the game Saint Joseph’s made 11 of 34 from distance.
The Emotion of Senior Night
Prior to the game the team honored Charles Coleman, Anton Jansson, Ejike Obinna, and Cameron Brown. The team gathered in a film session earlier and reviewed the highlights for each player. It is an emotional time for those seniors, and effected their younger teammates.
“I was very sad,” Greer III said. ” I started tearing up. Then seeing them out there today and everyone cheering for them, especially Cam because he’s been here through it all. It was really just a special moment. I was happy for my teammates.”
A Family Affair
Hawks player Chris Arizin and Spiders guard Gabe Arizin were on the floor together as the horn sounded. Their grandfather is Naismith Hall of Famer Paul Arizin. The families got a chance to see them play in the same game.
Richmond Leaders
The Spiders are going through a tough time as Coach Chris Mooney is recovering from undergoing heart surgery. Interim Coach Peter Thomas runs the team during Mooney’s absence.
“Richmond is a really good team,” Lange said. “They are going through so much with Coach Mooney. Chris is a friend of mine before he is a competitor. I’ve been praying for him and his family, his children, the faith of the people of Richmond, and his endurance.”
Marcus Randolph and Jason Nelson scored a team-high 15 points each. Tyler Burton added 10 points.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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