Erik Reynolds II and Xzayvier Brown combined for 51 points to help lead the Saint Joseph's men's basketball team to a 70-63 season-opening victory over Navy on Monday evening at Hagan Arena.

How It Happened
• Navy came out aggressive and opened an 11-0 lead on a free throw by Jordan Pennick at 17:25.
• Down by as many as 12, Saint Joseph's battled back to pull within four, 20-16, on a three-pointer by Anthony Finkley at 9:20.
• The Midshipmen answered with a 5-0 run to take a 25-16 edge.
• A free throw by Justice Ajogbor made it a one possession contest, 31-28, with 1:09 to go in the half.
• An 11-2 run early in the second half allowed Navy to open a 44-32 lead on a bucket by Aidan Kehoe.
• Down 47-41, Saint Joseph's used an 8-0 run to erase the Mids' advantage as a basket by Brown gave the Hawks their first lead, 49-47, with 8:36 to play.
• Navy answered back to tie the game at 49 all, but St. Joe's scored the next seven points to open a 56-49 lead on a pair of free throws by Shawn Simmons II.
• Austin Benigni brought Navy to within three, 64-61, on a pair of free throws with 1:42 to go.
• Brown answered for the Hawks in their next possession as he connected on a three-pointer to open a 67-61 lead.
• Saint Joseph's closed out the game from there, never allowing Navy to get closer than four points.

Inside The Boxscore
• Reynolds II went 9-17 from the field, 6-13 from three-point range and 5-6 from the foul line, and added five rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.
• Brown finished 5-11 from the floor and 11-12 from the foul line, while handing out three assists to go with five boards.
• In his first game as a Hawk, Derek Simpson added six points, four rebounds and two assists.
• Making his collegiate debut, Steven Solano scored four points, blocked three shots and added two rebounds.
• Saint Joseph's connected on 22-29 free throws (75.9 percent).
• The Hawks' 11 blocks are their most in a single game under head coach Billy Lange.

Up Next
The Hawks host Central Connecticut State this Friday at 7 p.m.