City of Basketball Love

Stephen Pianovich (@SPianovich)
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St. Joe’s rolled to its third consecutive win and picked up its second victory against crosstown rival La Salle, beating the Explorers, 88-62, Saturday night at Hagan Arena.

At first…
This one was all St. Joe’s from the start. The Hawks jumped out to a 9-0 advantage, prompting La Salle to call a timeout even before the first media timeout. St. Joe’s stretched that lead to as many as 18 points in the first half and led by 13 at halftime.

Turning point…
The Hawks left no doubt in this one as soon as the second half started, stretching their lead from 13 to 20 in the first few minutes of the final 20 minutes. It went on to be the Hawks’ 12th win of at least 10 points this season.

Shining stars…
Both Isaiah Miles and DeAndre' Bembry just missed out on double-doubles for the Hawks. Miles notched a team-high 18 points and had eight rebounds, while Bembry had nine rebounds and 13 points -- all of which came in the first eight minutes. 

Cleon Roberts had a team-high 17 points for La Salle and hit three 3-pointers.

Noteworthy numbers…
St. Joe’s has won its last three games by an average of 22 points …The Hawks finished the year in the Big 5 at 3-1, with their only loss coming to Villanova. The Explorers, meanwhile, went 0-4. …St. Joe’s shot 51.7 percent from the floor.

Up next…
St. Joe’s (21-4, 10-2 Atlantic 10) vs. Dayton, 2/17, 6 p.m.
La Salle (5-18, 1-11) vs. St. Bonaventure, 2/17, 7 p.m.