Erik Reynolds II leads Hawks to win over Delaware State to close Non Conference play

Philadelphia PA: As the entire nation comes off the Christmas Holiday, College Basketball keeps going on and we had a non-conference battle as the Saint Joseph’s Hawks would take on Delaware State Hornets on Saturday afternoon from Hagan Arena. The Hawks come into the game off a win over Virginia Tech while Delaware State made their way to Hawk Hill with a loss to Alabama State.

News for Saint Joseph’s before the game

Update: Xzayvier Brown (hamstring strain), Steven Solano (illness) and Khaafiq Myers (knee) will be out for today’s game against Delaware State. Brown and Solano will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis. #THWND

— SJU Hawks MBB (@SJUHawks_MBB) December 28, 2024

Lineup:

Hawks starters vs DSU #THWND pic.twitter.com/nQhaR5uoN5

— SJU Hawks MBB (@SJUHawks_MBB) December 28, 2024

How the game went:
Delaware State would get the scoring started and the Hawks would get on the board with 3 pointer, both teams early on in the 1st half would have their chances to make some noise but they just could not finish & the Hawks were about to get the lead up to 12 at 25-13, later on, the Hornets would get the lead down to 8 at 25-17 and could it get down any lower, the answer was NO as the Hawks got it up to 15

One of the Plays of the 1st half

Ajogbor bringing the THUNDER!! #THWND pic.twitter.com/noi1U9yRoT

— SJU Hawks MBB (@SJUHawks_MBB) December 28, 2024

The Saint Joseph’s would take a 33-20 lead into halftime, there were times could Delaware State go on a run to cut the lead before half & they just could not find a way to get it done.

Going into the second half, Could Delaware State find a way to keep the game close or even take the lead, at one point the Hornets were able to get the lead down to 11 at 45-34 with 11:33 left. From this point, the Hornets did not have an answer for Hawks Erik Reynolds ll who would have one of those types of games when you get your shot going down

.@YOO_duece with the stop and pop off the ball screen #THWND pic.twitter.com/brDLLpjKfv

— SJU Hawks MBB (@SJUHawks_MBB) December 28, 2024

The Hawks would get the lead up to 16 and then reach 20 points as the Hawks would soar to a 76-58 win to close out conference play and prepare for conference play.  The Hawks would do something for the 1st time since December 2013 that Saint Joseph’s did not allow an opponent to hit a three-pointer as Delaware State Finished the game 0-8 from 3-point range

Postgame:

Saint Joseph’s Coach Billy Lange:

What I asked to @SJUHawks_MBB Billy Lange after win over Delaware State #THWND #DSUvsSJU #SaintJosephs pic.twitter.com/a13UAHyEXN

— David Malandra Jr (@DaveMReports) December 28, 2024

Saint Joseph’s Erik Reynolds ll:

I asked @SJUHawks_MBB G Erik Reynolds II about the Hawks allowing a season-low 20 points in the first half. Defensively, the press they have been playing has worked well for them. Reynolds II was quick to compliment Derek Simpson, who has had 2 steals in each of the last 5 games. pic.twitter.com/ydiBoHWPpM

— Cope (@JakeCopestick) December 28, 2024

Delaware State Coach Stan Waterman:

Saint Joseph’s Coach Billy Lange would give an injury update

Saint Joseph's injury update: Xzayvier Brown's strained hamstring is improving. Still day to day.

Nothing new on Steven Solano (illness), who missed his seventh straight game today. #Big5Hoops

— Aaron Bracy (@Aaron_Bracy) December 28, 2024

Final Numbers:

What is next:
For the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, who are now 9-4 will now head into Atlantic 10 Play when they battle UMass on New Year’s Eve from Hagan Arena while Delaware State will attempt to rebound from this loss to the Hawks as they will prepare for MEAC play against Howard on Jan 4.