Men’s Basketball Remains Undefeated in Hudson Valley Play

(ALBANY, NY)  In the nightcap of the doubleheader on Saturday, Men's Basketball upended Albany Pharmacy, 70-58 for their second straight win and improving to 3-0 in Hudson Valley play, placing them in a tie for top spot in the conference with Berkeley College.  Four Bears scored in double-figures led by Justin Gist (Brooklyn, NY / Newsome) with a game-high 16 points.

The opening frame remained close throughout with seven ties and six lead changes until St. Joseph's went on an 11-0 run with under nine minutes remaining to build an 8 point lead, their largest of the half before going into the lockers up 28-23.  The Bears extended their lead to 12 points early in the second half, but Albany Pharmacy would get no closer than 6 points before St. Joseph's brought the lead back into double-digits where it remained firmly for the final eight minutes.

St. Joseph's took advantage of Albany Pharmacy's sloppy play which resulted in 30 turnovers that the Bears 18 steals and converted into 28 points.  Gist added four steals to his 16 points.  Ervin Maddox (Staten Island, NY / St. Peter's) added 14 points and dished out five and stole five.  Jon Matzelle(Queens, NY / St. Francis Prep) posted his third straight game in double figures with 12 points and four boards.  Bryan Jones led Albany Pharmacy with a 13 point, 10 rebound double-double.

St. Joseph's returns to action Tuesday night on the road where they face intra-borough foe, Brooklyn College (14-4).  Game time is 7:00 PM.