Vazquez Pots 24 in Men’s Basketball’s 88-74 Loss to Mt. St. Vincent

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Riverdale, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's basketball team dropped a 88-74 decision to the College of Mount Saint Vincent in a Skyline Conference Showdown in Riverdale, NY on Monday evening. With the loss, the Golden Eagles fall to 3-8 (2-4 Skyline) on the season while the Dolphins improve to 6-6 (5-2 Skyline).

After jumping out to an early 19-10 lead at 14:09 of the first half, St. Joseph's allowed the Mt. St. Vincent to compile a 12-2 run to take the 22-21 lead at 11:12. At 7:19 the Dolphins widened their gap to eight points (33-25) courtesy of a Jamir Ferbee three-ball, but the Golden Eagles fired back with a 9-0 run—capped off by a Billy Heenan layup—to regain the lead (34-33) with 5:21 to play in the opening frame. The advantage would prove to be short lived, though, as Vincent's wrapped the half with a 10-2 run of its own to take a 43-36 lead into the break.

Jamir's free throw conversion at 15:20 of the second half extended the Dolphins' lead to 15 points (55-40). A short run capped by a Fernando Vazquez three-pointer brought the Golden Eagles back to within 10 points (61-51) with 11:04 to play in regulation, but it would be the closest the guests would come to catching the Dolphins, who led by as much as 20 points (86-66). In the end it was Vincent's that held off St. Joseph's to claim the 88-74 victory.

Vazquez's team-high of 24 points (12-15 FT) matched a season-best for the guard, who also contributed five rebounds and three steals. Heenan continued his strong play and posted 15 points (6-10 FG) and a team-high eight rebounds. Guard CJ Capilets recorded his first nine points as a Golden Eagle in 32 minutes of action.

Despite being outshot from the field (46.7%-38.2%), St. Joseph's shot better from behind the arc (34.5%-33.3%). The Dolphins held advantages in points in the paint (36-18) and second-chance points (13-9).

The Golden Eagles return to action on Thursday, January 7 when they travel to play St. Joseph's College (Brkln) at 7:30 PM. Live stats and live video will be available here and here.