Dec. 19, 2006

Box Score Video

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Rob Ferguson scored 15 points and D.J. Rivera hit two crucial free throws in the last 11 seconds as Saint Joseph's defeated Saint Mary's, Calif. 55-51 Tuesday night.

Pat Calathes and Jawan Carter each had 13 points for Saint Joseph's (6-4), playing without leading scorer Ahmad Nivins, who was sidelined with a sprained ankle.

Omar Samhan had a career-high 18 points and Yusef Smith had 11 for the Gaels (6-7), who lost their sixth on the road.

The Hawks started the second half with 11 unanswered points to take a 41-30 lead and led 45-36 with 11:37 left to play. Diamon Simpson then sparked a 13-4 Saint Mary's spurt, and the Gaels tied the score 49-49 on a layup by Samhan at the 5:11 mark.

Saint Joseph's moved ahead 53-49 before a layup by Samhan narrowed the gap to 53-51 with 2:07 remaining. Neither team scored again, and Rivera's two free throws accounted for the final score.

The Hawks return to action after Christmas, taking part in the Aeropostale Holiday Festival at Madison Square Garden. SJU will play Hofstra on Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m.