Medgar Evers Edges Men’s Basketball in Season-Opening Defeat

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, N.Y. (Brooklyn) men's basketball team suffered a narrow 63-62 defeat by Medgar Evers College in their season opener on Wednesday night from The Hill Center.

Three Bears – Jonathan Reno (Staten Island, N.Y./Moore Catholic), Evan Sirakis (Hollis Hills, N.Y./St. Francis Prep), and Max Butler (Staten Island, N.Y./Port Richmond) – all scored in double figures in the losing effort. Rookies Nazareth Warren (Brooklyn, N.Y./Spring Creek Campus) and Stephan Direny (Brooklyn, N.Y./Achievement First) combined for 10 points and seven rebounds in their collegiate debuts.

How it Happened

The two sides exchanged baskets throughout the early stages of the contest before the Bears saw their largest lead of the night at 14 with 6:20 remaining in the first half, 30-16. By halftime, the Cougars trimmed the SJBK advantage to 10, 38-28. Reno led all scorers in the half with 11 points.

The Bears restored their double-figure lead but the visitors clawed their way to a two-possession deficit midway through the second half, 55-50. A 7-0 run followed to give Medgar Evers a one-point edge, 56-55. The two traded the lead six times in the final four minutes with neither side leading by more than two; courtesy of a Reno triple with 48 seconds. A three-pointer on the opposite end of the floor with 23 seconds gave the Cougars the 63-62 result. 

For the Bears

• Reno led all scorers with 17 points; adding five rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals.

• Sirakis totaled 11 points and seven boards.

• Butler played all 40 minutes in his Bears debut, posting a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

• Justin Nazon (Staten Island, N.Y./Susan Wagner) finished with eight points and three boards.

• Direny and Adam Jasaraj (Staten Island, N.Y./Susan Wagner) each had six points and combined to collect nine caroms.

Up Next

The Bears return to action on Wednesday, November 15 with a visit to St. Elizabeth University. Tipoff from Morristown is scheduled for 7 pm.