Men's Basketball Earns First Skyline Triumph in Close Affair with USMMA

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, N.Y. (Brooklyn) men's basketball team snapped a four-game skid with a 52-42 win over the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday afternoon. The win is also the Bears' first in Skyline Conference-play this season, improving to 1-1.

How it Happened

The Bears led for all but 37 seconds in a narrow first half; leading by eight, 21-13, with nine minutes remaining. The Mariners' 6-2 stretch in the final three minutes cut the SJBK advantage to 27-24 to close the half. Evan Sirakis (Hollis Hills, N.Y./St. Francis Prep) and Max Butler (Staten Island, N.Y./Port Richmond) had 10 and 11 points, respectively, after the opening 20 minutes.

A one-possession game for much of the start of the second half, the Mariners regained the lead; holding a three-point edge for much of their time with the advantage. The Bears took the lead back for good on a Butler drive in the paint at the 6:11 mark, 41-40; holding on to win by 10, 52-42.

For the Bears

• Butler produced a game-leading 20 points and 12 rebounds, both season-bests. He also had three steals.

• Sirakis totaled 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds.

• Jonathan Reno (Staten Island, N.Y./Moore Catholic) had eight points and four rebounds.

• Joshua Gordon (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Loughlin) and Justin Nazon (Staten Island, N.Y./Susan Wagner) combined for eight points and as many rebounds.

Up Next

The Bears take on Yeshiva University in their lone meeting of the season on Tuesday, December 12 at 8 p.m.