PHILADELPHIA – Erik Reynolds II moved into fifth place on the Saint Joseph's scoring list as the Hawks topped the Virginia Tech Hokies 82-62 at the Holiday Hoop Fest from The Palestra on Saturday afternoon.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Reynolds II scored 25 in the game, finishing with 1,809. He also added three assists, a block and two steals.
• Derek Simpson had arguably his best games as a Hawk, scoring 18 with six rebounds and six assist, all either setting or tying season bests.
• Rasheer Fleming netted 18 with eight rebounds, going 8-for-8 from the free throw line.
• Anthony Finkley scored in double figures for the second time this season, posting a career-high 13.
• Justice Ajogbor was a defensive force, blocking four shots, adding five points and three rebounds.
• SJU connected on a season-high 15 three-pointers, shooting 46.9 percent from distance in the game.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Defense was the key for the Hawks early as in the opening four minutes of the game, they forced the Hokies to go 1-for-7 from the floor with a pair of blocks and also forced two turnovers.
• After the Hokies took a brief lead on a pair of free throws, SJU found its offensive rhythm, going on a 15-2 run in a span of 4:16, taking a 25-13 lead with 6:55 remaining in the first half.
• Virginia Tech responded with a 12-0 run of its own, connecting of five consecutive shots, tying the game at 25-25 into the final media timeout of the frame.
• It was a see-saw battle to end the half with the Hawks having the final say. Using a crossover to create space, Reynolds II delivered the 286th three-pointer of his career, moving him into fifth place of the Saint Joseph's career scoring list, passing Ahmad Nivins
• SJU got the early jump in the second half, using a 13-4 run to build a 47-34 lead four minutes into the frame. The Hawks pushed out to the lead, starting the stanza 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
• The game remained at the low double digit range before a final surge by St. Joe's created the final margin.

 
UP NEXT
The Hawks return to action and Hagan Arena on Saturday, December 28 when they host the Delaware State Hornets. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.