Erik Reynolds II, Saint Joseph's too strong for Virginia Tech

Field Level Media|published: Sat 21st December, 14:32 2024

Dec 15, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Mike Young talks to guard Rodney Brown Jr. (4) during the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Erik Reynolds II supplied 25 points to guide host Saint Joseph's to an 82-62 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday in a Holiday Hoopfest matchup in Philadelphia.

The Hawks (8-4) shot a sizzling 15-of-32 from 3-point range, led by strong efforts from Reynolds (5-of-11), Derek Simpson (4-of-8) and Anthony Finkley (3-of-4). Simpson and Rasheer Fleming chipped in 18 points apiece for Saint Joseph's, while Finkley had 13 off the bench.

Ben Burham and Ben Hammond scored 11 points each to pace the Hokies (5-7).

After the Hawks led by two points at halftime, Fleming and Simpson each drained a 3-pointer early in the second half to create a 40-32 advantage. Shortly thereafter, Fleming went 4-of-4 from the foul line and Simpson knocked down another triple to extend the margin to 47-34.

Midway through the half, the Hokies got their deficit down to 10 on two occasions. However, Fleming responded with a 3-pointer the first time and Finkley hit a triple after Virginia Tech got it down to 10 the second time.

Saint Joseph's cruised to the finish line, sealing its second straight comfortable victory.

The game got off to a slow start, as there were only four total points scored in the first four minutes. The teams continued to jockey back and forth for a bit until Saint Joseph's turned a 15-13 lead into a 12-point advantage using a 10-0 run.

Justice Ajogbor and Finkley each scored a bucket to begin that surge before Finkley's 3-pointer created the first double-digit lead of the game. Fleming's layup off an assist from Simpson made it 25-13 with about seven minutes left in the half.

However, the Hawks' momentum did not last long, as the Hokies scored the next 15 points to go ahead by three. Brandon Rechsteiner's 3-pointer capped the major push by the visitors, who held Saint Joseph's without a point for more than 4 ½ minutes.

Reynolds answered the huge run by Virginia Tech with a layup and a 3-pointer in the final 2 ½ minutes, helping Saint Joseph's regain a 32-30 lead at the break.

--Field Level Media

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