Bears Complete Undefeated Season in HVMAC Cruising By Pratt

BROOKLYN, NY – The St. Joseph's College men's basketball team completed a perfect season in Hudson Valley Men's Athletic Conference Play defeating Pratt Institute 82-51 on Monday night.  Junior forward Jon Matzelle (Maspeth, NY/St. Francis Prep) had a game-high tying 19 points and junior guard Justin Gist (Newsome, FL/Newsome) had 18 to pace the Bears.

Matzelle shot 9-for-13 (69.2%) from the field and grabbed seven rebounds.  Gist shot 7-for-14 (50%) from the field and drained four triples.  Sophomore Antione Forehand added 13 points and swiped a game-high six steals.  Senior Mike Dziewit (Ridgewood, NY/Wadleigh) grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds and fell one field goal short of a double-double with eight points.  Sophomore Dhiraj Bhakta (Glendale, NY/Bishop Loughlin) pulled down 11 rebounds and added seven points in only 11 minutes of work.

Center Paul Evina-Ze led Pratt (2-11, 1-5 HVMAC) with 19 points, seven rebounds and five blocks.  Michael St. John recorded a 14 rebound, 11 point double-double, Nicholas Fusaro chipped in 13 points and Dave Anderson dished out a game-high seven assists.

Pratt hung tough with the HVMAC  regular season champions,  despite seeking their second conference win of the season.  Nearing the midway point of the half, a layup from Evina-Ze gave the Cannoneers their first lead of the game, 13-12.  After exchanging a couple baskets, coach Joseph Cocozello employed a full-court press that forced six turnovers.  St. Joseph's went on 16-1 run and took a 33-20 lead into the lockers.

St. Joseph's remained in control throughout the second half and Cocozello found the opportunity to give his starters some rest as the Bears have a quick turnaround returning to action tomorrow night. 

The Bears defense forced 22 Pratt turnovers which they converted into 29 points and dominated the glass, holding a 56-40 rebounding advantage. 

St. Joseph's (8-15, 6-0 HVMAC) concludes their regular season at home, hosting College of Staten Island tomorrow night at Brooklyn Technical High School.  The team will also celebrate Senior Night, honoring the careers of Larry Fawcett, Mike Dziewit, Wilkerson Exantus, Lew Monaco and Pat Chiarel as well as three seniors from the step team.  Tip-off is at 7:30 with Senior Night festivities to follow after the conclusion of the game.