Men's Basketball Picks Up First Win vs. Wheelock

Nashua, N.H. - The St. Joseph's (1-3) men's basketball team picked up their first win of the season against the Wildcats of Wheelock (0-3) in the consolation game of the Rivier University Tip-Off Tournament, 87-76.

The Eagles led for most of the first half by a narrow margin, but with five seconds remaining Nick Gallina hit a three to put the Golden Eagles up seven going into halftime. The Wildcats kept fighting their way back into the game but couldn't manage to tie or take the lead. With the Eagles lead trimmed down to one, St. Joseph's went on a 20-8 run. The Golden Eagles led by as many as twelve with eight minutes remaining but could not put down the Wildcats. Wheelock was down 74-71 when the Eagles flew away. Five unanswered baskets from five different Eagles gave them their largest lead of the night.    

Junior forward Darryl Charles (Middletown, N.Y./Poughkeepsie) posted a game-high and season-best 28 points and a game-high 16 rebounds along with three blocked shots to bolster SJC to victory. Freshman guard Andy Laurent (Amityville, N.Y./Amityville) had 17 points and four assists for the Eagles in the effort.  Junior guard Eddie Wenzel (Port Jeff Station, N.Y./Newfield) also reached double figures with 13 points.

Rivier defeated the Eagles in the opening game of the tournament, 66-49, on Friday.

St. Joseph's will open up their Skyline schedule this Tuesday as they travel to Yeshiva University for an 8:00 p.m. game with the Maccabees.