Taylor Funk's three-pointer with six seconds remaining lifted Saint Joseph's past Maryland Eastern Shore, 69-67, in the Hawks' season opener on Tuesday evening at Hagan Arena.
How It Happened
• The Hawks ran out to a 15-7 lead as they connected on 6-of-12 from the field, while holding Maryland Eastern Shore to 3-of-10 shooting.
• Behind a 17-2 run, Saint Joseph's opened a 34-15 lead on a
Ejike Obinna dunk with 6:00 remaining in the half.
• Maryland Eastern Shore opened the second half with a 19-6 run as Chace Davis gave the visitors a 47-46 lead on a jumper at 12:24.
• The lead changed hands eight times from there as a layup by De'Shawn Phillip gave Maryland Eastern Shore a 67-64 lead with 30 seconds to go.
• Out of a timeout,
Jordan Hall finished with a bucket in the paint to bring St. Joe's to within 67-66 with 15 seconds remaining.
• The Hawks' pressing defense forced a turnover on the inbounds, giving SJU possession.
• On the inbounds, Hall found Funk in the corner for the go-ahead three-pointer with six ticks left on the clock.
• Hustling back on defense, Saint Joseph's contested a desperation shot that missed its mark as the horn sounded.
Inside The Boxscore
• Funk led all scorers with a game-high 22 points.
• Funk finished the night 8-13 from the field, including 6-11 from behind the arc, tying his single-game high of six that he set against Wake Forest on November 15, 2018.
• Hall finished a rebound shy of his second career triple double-double as he handed out a game-high 11 assists to go with 11 points and a game-high nine rebounds.
• Hall's 11 assists marks the fourth time in his career he has handed out double-digit assists in a game, trailing only Jameer Nelson (eight) in SJU history.
• Playing his first game in a St. Joe's jersey, Obinna finished with 13 points, one shy of his career high.
• Tuesday marked the first time in 612 days the Hawks have played in front of fans at Hagan Arena.
Next Up
The Hawks (1-0) host Mount St. Mary's on Saturday, November 13. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
Follow the Saint Joseph's men's basketball team on Instagram and Twitter and like the Hawks on Facebook.
