Eastern Nazarene Spoils Bears' Home Opener

BROOKLYN, NY – The Bears (1-4) had three players in double figures, including the first career double-double for Ismael Dabo (Bloomfield, NJ/St. John's Prep), but it wasn't enough as the St. Joseph's College men's basketball team fell to Eastern Nazarene 73-60. Donald Coleman (Brooklyn, NY/Nazareth) led the Bears with 15 points.

The visiting Lions jumped out to an early 17-6 lead and were happy to trade baskets the rest of the way. The Bears had chances to get back into the game, but their poor shooting did them in. St. Joseph's shot only 27.3% from the field, including 2-19 from behind the arc and 0-10 in the second half. The poor shooting extended to the free throw line, as the Bears hit only 16-31 attempts.

The Bears were able to cut the lead down to eight with 8:34 left in the game, but Eastern Nazarene quickly got the lead back up in double figures and was able to run away with the game.

St. Joseph's was without starting forward Jon Matzelle (Maspeth, NY/St. Francis Prep) and missed his presence inside. Eastern Nazarene got the better of the Bears in the paint, outscoring them 37-28.

Antoine Forehand (New York, NY/Rice) was the only other Bear in double figures, putting up 13 and also grabbed eight rebounds.

The Lions DeAngelo Alston led the game with 17 points and John Flakes posted 17 boards to go along with eight points.

The Bears return to the court for their first HVMAC battle at Pratt Institute on Tuesday, November 30th. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm.