PHILADELPHIA, PA. 11/28/2012 – For the Saint Joseph’s Hawks had four players score in double figures, and used a second half run to post a 74 – 55 win over the American University Eagles at the Hagan Arena. According to Saint Joseph’s Coach Phil Martelli the team will be successful by getting contributions from all his players on the floor.
“Balance is the key for this team, scoring balance,” said Martelli. “We have to play a game comparable to the talent we have. The whole thing for us is balance on both ends, and emotional balance.”
The Hawks got the scoring balance led by Junior guard Langston Galloway who scored a team-high 18 points. In doing so the Baton Rouge, La. native became the 50th Saint Joseph’s player to reach the 1,000 point plateau. Galloway reached that mark making his second basket of the game. He now has 1,015 points. Galloway is the 21st player to reach that level in his third season. It was previously done last season by back court mate Senior Carl Jones who scored 16 in the game. Galloway is happy to reach the mark, but now can focus on the game.
“It was good to get that weight off my shoulders, it was bothering me,” said Galloway. “Now I can finally just play ball, keep playing hard, and get some wins going.”
Junior forward C.J. Aiken scored 16 points. Sophomore guard Chris Wilson scored 15 points and handed out a career-high tying 8 assists.
Saint Joseph’s fell behind late in the first half 28 – 21, but scored the next 11 points to take a 32 – 28 lead in to halftime. Saint Joseph’s found balance in the second half on offense, but also on the defensive end of the floor. The Hawks held the Eagles to 32% (8 – 25) shooting in the second half. Once the defense got rolling, so did the offense as the Hawks made 13 of 25 (52%) in the latter stanza. The lead for the host team grew to 21 points at 67 – 46 behind a 13 – 5 run. Aiken keyed the run scoring the first 7 points of that stretch.
“We were down seven because we didn’t guard and that’s disappointing,” Martelli said. We went on
a run because we got stops and got into a flow.”
“We started slow,” Galloway said. “Once we picked the defense up, we got it going.”
Junior forward Halil Kanacevic missed the game due to a hurt back.
Saint Joseph’s improves to 4 – 1 on the season. The Hawks play their first true road game on Saturday at # 11 Creighton. Galloway believes the team will be ready for the challenge.
“It’s going to be a big game,” said Galloway. “Now we can start to look toward that game because we couldn’t overlook this team tonight. Now we can look at Creighton and start preparing for them.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Twitter: @Phillycolsports
Be the first to comment