St. Joseph's Sweeps Hoops Action Over NYU-Poly

BROOKLYN, NY -  The St. Joseph's College (LI) mens and womens basketball teams squeaked out a pair of victories over NYU-Poly Tuesday night in Skyline Conference action. The Eagles edged the Jays in mens action in Brooklyn, erupting for five trifectas in the final minutes to win 92-85, while the Lady Jays fell on the road, 62-58.

In the men's game, NYU-Poly trailed 38-34 at the half but then rallied late in the 2nd half to tie the game at 66-66. But, St. Joseph's Steve Velasquez and Vincent Russo both hit two long distance shots and Chris Jimenez added another in the final six minutes to break open a lead that NYU-Poly could never overcome.

The Jays were led by senior Jason Buckner (Littleton, CO) who had a game-hgh 24 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Eric Southworth (Dutch Harbor, AK) added 15, while juniors Alex Westphal (Port Washington, WI) and Eddie Ortiz (Brooklyn, NY) each chipped in 13 points. Westphal brought down 10 boards and blocked a pair of shots, while Ortiz led the Jays with six assists.

Velasquez led St. Josephs with 24 points, while shooting 5-of-8 from behind the arc.  Olivier Laurent added 20 for the Golden Eagles, who improve to 14-1 overall and a perfect 10-0 in Skyline play. NYU-Poly drops to 0-14 and 0-10 in conference play. They will travel to Skyline foe Maritime College on Thursday for a 7:00pm tip.

In the women's game, NYU-Poly got off to a hot start, leading by nine with just under 13:30 to play, but St. Josephs would chip away at the lead as the Lady Jays held a narrow 24-23 halttime lead. NYU-Poly had as much as a five point cushion in the second frame before falling behind midway through the second half. They would muster a 50-50 tie with 2:30 to play, only to watch the Lady Golden Eagles grab back the lead and never relinquish it.

NYU-Poly was led by junior Margaux Pickell (Howell, NJ) who recorded yet another double-double (12) racking up 21 points and 15 boards. Senior Kristin Leitheuser (Spring Valley, NY) led all scorers with 23 points.  NYU-Poly committed 21 turnovers compared to St. Josephs 19, but the Lady Jays won on the boards 44-39.

NYU-Poly falls to 6-3 in the conference and 9-5 overall, while St Josephs climbs back into the pack at 4-5 and 6-9 overall.  NYU-Poly is back in action on Saturday at Purchase College.