Laurent Paces Men’s Basketball in 69-65 Victory Over Yeshiva

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Junior Andy Laurent went for 20 points and eight rebounds as the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's basketball team edged Yeshiva University, 69-65, in a Skyline Conference match-up on Tuesday Evening. With the victory, the Golden Eagles improve to 7-11 (6-7 Skyline) on the year, while the Maccabees fall to 7-7 (5-4 Skyline).

After a choppy start to the first half, Yeshiva jumped out to a 14-4 lead at 12:32, but SJC used a 9-2 run—capped off by a Laurent three-pointer—to draw the game back to within three points (16-13) at 9:02.

Still reeling, the Golden Eagles put together a 17-8 run to pull ahead 30-24 with 2:14 to play in the half, and after fending off a Yeshiva surge, the hosts entered the break up 33-32.

Two converted free throws by Shelby Rosenberg 4:58 into the second half saw the Maccabees regain the lead (40-39), and over the next 10 minutes the two sides literally went point-for-point, with the guests sporting a couple four-point leads.

Down 59-56 with 4:46 to play, Laurent sparked a 9-0 with a layup at 4:29, which was followed by two converted free throws by Isaiah Moore, a three-pointer from CJ Capilets and a Dominique Spann layup, which put the Golden Eagles up six (65-59) with 3:16 to play. Moore would later sink two more free throws as St. Joseph's wrapped up the 69-65 victory.

Laurent's 20 points came courtesy of 8-11 shooting from the field. Three other Golden Eagles tallied in double digits as well, with Moore potting 13, Spann 12 and Capilets 11. Spann's nine rebounds tied a game-best, and Laurent's five assists led all participants.

Despite turning the ball over more (22-15), the Golden Eagles were the better shooting side (44.9%-36.9%). St. Joseph's edged the Maccabees in bench points (9-8), but was outscored in the paint (30-28) and on the break (9-8).

The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, January 30 when they head up to Albany, NY to face The Sage Colleges. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM. Live stats will be available here.