Sports and Rants with Brett and Pants : February 2016

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The Happiest Place on Earth!

They say Disney World is the happiest place on earth… However, tonight it is Saint Joseph’s University. The Hawks pulled off their biggest win of the season, and their biggest win since beating VCU in the A-10 tourney. Tonight’s game was one of the most looked forward games of the year, and it did not disappoint. This win giant for the Hawks and it was not only a complete team effort but, an effort from all of Hagan Arena. The student section came out rocking and did not let up the entire game. There was passion and intensity by every fan in the arena.

Tonight there was no player happier on the court then DeAndre Bembry. Before the game was over, with seconds left, Bembry ran to the student section and celebrated. It was truly a magical and a memorable moment on Hawk Hill. From the very beginning it looked like the Hawks had control over the game, and they did not let up. St. Joe’s went on big run after big run to create large leads against Dayton. But, the strength and resilience of Dayton did not disappoint. The Flyers fought throughout the whole game, until the Hawks were able to pull away with minutes left. It was a scoring fest from the Hawks with five of their players in double digits. Though Bembry brought the strong scoring, leadership, and passion to this huge game; the biggest lift came in the form of Javon Baumann. Javon who had not played very much this season, came out for some giant minutes when Miles got into foul trouble. Many Hawk fans and reporters thought that the game may be over with the weaker scorer out on the court, but Javon made up for it big. Javon used his big body to control middle and not only out rebound but also out hustle Dayton’s big guys. St. Joe’s proved something tonight; they showed the world they could beat not only a ranked team, but also a great team.

After knocking off #15 Dayton tonight, the Hawks now look forward to Saturday at Davidson. This will be the next big test for the Hawks, a test they have to pass. The Hawks beat their biggest challenge tonight but they face a long road ahead of them. This team does not want to just compete; they want to win in March. Fun win tonight for the Hawks, and it is time to take this momentum into March! #THWND

-Brett

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Sunday, February 14, 2016

Leaping over La Salle

Saint Joseph’s received 5 votes, and they are on the outside of the tournament bubble looking in. The La Salle Explorers came onto Hawk Hill last in the Atlantic 10. With a dominating lead late in the game, Coach Phil Martelli was able to give his bench some valuable minutes in a 88-62 victory.

While the Hawk’s bench earned valuable minutes, DeAndre Bembry played the least amount of minutes of his career. His 23 minutes on the court provided his team with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. The athletic wing guard showed why he is such a tremendous NBA prospect by doing everything from corner threes, drive, and nifty passes. DeAndre is such a class act, after the game he talks and takes pictures with any fan that sticks around for him. Also to note when he is out of the game, he is always the first one celebrating with his teammates.

Bembry was able to do everything when he is in the game, and when he is not Miles and Demery help out. Isaiah Miles had team high of 19 points, and James Demery tied his career high of 17 points. Demery’s improvement has been overshadowed throughout the season by Miles’ success. However, whenever the game was not favoring the SJU, Demery gained momentum right back with gigantic dunks. He is so athletic and is in the air for an unbelievable amount of time.

Shavar Newkirk stayed late into the second half because he had one of his worst performances of his career with 5 turnovers and making only 2 of 11 shot attempts. However, overall the team helped to push the Explorers to poorly react to the game, and stay on their heels.

This was tremendous matchup for the team to boost their confidence at a crucial time in the season. The Hawks are now 21-4 overall and 10-2 in the Atlantic 10. They are tied for second in the conference with VCU, and only having one game separation against Dayton. Their biggest match-up of the season will be against a 19th ranked Dayton Flyers. The most important strategy that Phil should stress during practice is to not stray against their style

-Pants

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Sunday, February 7, 2016

Back in Action?!?!?!?!

There is no denying on Wednesday we saw the absolute worst performance from the Hawks all season. This season so far has been one of excitement and passion, however it looked as though all the air came out of the balloon against St. Bonaventure. After the embarrassing loss to the Bonnies, Coach Martelli had one thing to say, “Tonight the better team won.” It was apparent the Hawks did not play their best game, and it looked like all tournament hopes went down the drain. However, yesterday SJU put out a very impressive offensive showing against Fordham to take themselves to 19-4. A much-needed win, but the question is can DeAndre Bembry and the Hawks keep the tourney hopes alive.

The St. Joe’s Hawks came into their game yesterday against Fordham coming off a terrible loss. The Hawks were out to save their March Madness dreams, and they did not disappoint. Though the Hawks did struggle early on, they were able to put it together and produce a very dominating win. There is no doubt that the Hawks won an impressive game against a struggling Fordham team. But, it is time for the Hawks to take their game a step up. This team has proven this season that they have the talent to compete, but we have only seen them beat bad teams. The Hawks showed once again they could score at a high level but against a struggling team. Though the Hawks won 82-60, the team has to turn it up a notch if they wan to keep the dreams alive on Hawk Hill.

St. Joe’s won a game they needed to win yesterday, but looking ahead more wins are needed. This team eight more games left on their schedule, with one big one against ranked Dayton on February 17^th. The Hawks are now sitting at a strong 19-4, but not a very good resume. It is time for the Hawks to step up, and in my opinion to be a tourney team with a good seed they have to win out. SJU has not proven themselves against enough teams to make their record stand up. But, I will say if they beat Dayton we will be talking about March Madness on Hawk Hil! #THWND

-Brett