Spann Tallies 23 in Men’s Basketball’s Loss to Maritime

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Throggs Neck, NY| Despite a 23-point performance by senior Dominique Spann, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's basketball team surrendered a first-half lead to Skyline rival SUNY Maritime in a 79-70 defeat on the road Friday evening. With the loss, the Golden Eagles fall to 6-11 (5-7 Skyline) on the year, while the Privateers improve to 3-13 (3-8 Skyline).

After jumping out to a 9-2 lead at 16:51 of the first half, St. Joseph's allowed the hosts to rally for a 9-2 run of their own to tie the game at 11 with 13:37 to play in the opening frame. A 12-0 run by the Golden Eagles—capped off with two free throw conversions for Spann—allowed the guests to grab a stranglehold of the match midway through the half.

SJC would maintain it's 12-point lead (29-17) at 5:59, but a 13-6 run by the Privateers cut the deficit to five points (35-30) with 2:15 to play. After fending off the Maritime surge, the Golden Eagles would take a 37-33 lead into the break.

After scoring nine of the second half's first 13 points, St. Joseph's pulled back ahead nine points (46-37) at 16:56 and then later at 15:35 (48-39). The Privateers would then use a 16-4 run to claim their first lead of the evening (55-52) at the 9:46 mark, and over the course of the next four minutes the sides would trade points until the score was tied at 58 with 5:50 to play in regulation. With the game in the balance it was the hosts that grabbed the game by the horns with a 11-1 run to build a 10-point lead (69-59) at 1:14. From there the Privateers staved off any comeback attempt by the Golden Eagles and claimed the 77-70 lead.

Spann's 23 points was his second-highest total of the season (27 on Nov. 28). The forward also contributed seven rebounds.

Guard CJ Capilets saw 14 minutes of action and recorded his highest point total (12) as a Golden Eagle. Junior Andy Laurent's 12 rebounds were a team-high.

St. Joseph's shot 92.9% from the charity stripe, but only 24.1%—compared to Maritime's 38.1%—from beyond the arc. The Privateers were also the better side in terms of rebounding, claiming 48 boards in comparison to SJC's 39.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Tuesday, January 26 when they face Yeshiva University on Welcome Back Students Night. Festivities kickoff with the SJC women taking on their Yeshiva counterparts at 6:00 PM before the men, who tip-off at 8:00 PM. Join us inside the Danzi Center for contests, prizes and free popcorn!