Sports and Rants with Brett and Pants : Emotional Loss for the Hawks

Saint Joseph’s Hawks fell to the Richmond Spiders 57 to 63 in an emotional game at Hagan for their last weekend home game. Overall, the entire Hawks team had poor shot selection. Instead of taking it to the basket, they took questionable shots. With a field goal percentage of .393, they were left being vulnerable. Even though the game was emotional, it lacked energy.

Despite the Hawks not backing down, the Spiders did let up. With close to three minutes left the game was tied at 54, however with a step-back three from T.J. Cline the Spiders took lead. Richmond’s guards Trey Davis and Anthony Kendall were able to control the ball the entire game. Listening to Martelli talked after the game it became apparent that they did not plan for the success that Davis had.

Richmond’s zone allowed a mismatch early for DeAndre, but team did not expose it. During the match-up, DeAndre Bembry, “Mr. Everything” was not able to get much momentum. Turning the ball over five times did not help the team overall. Though Bembry made some unbelievable plays, including an amazing block he was never truly able to get started. Number 43 for the Hawks seems to play better when he is away. Bembry may possibly play better when he feels as if he needs to overcome something. After 25 consecutive games, Bembry ended the night in single digits; which is something that did not happen since the Gonzaga game. He may be the most underrated player in the NCAA, but he does not do himself any favors in winning the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Good thing he does not care much for personal accolades.

The bright spot for the Hawks was Aaron Brown. It is unclear why Phil Martelli does not show much faith in him. Besides missing a couple of lay-ups in the first half, he kept the Hawks fighting. The Hawks may not have a presence under the basket, but Brown proved that he can be productive along the baseline. Aaron Brown finished the night with a team high 15 points.

The Hawks have two games left in the season. On Wednesday, March 4^thagainst Rhode Island it will be their last home game. The only changes they hope to make in the final two final two games of the season is a genuine desire to win. Their efforts to end the season strong did not start well against Richmond.

--- Pants