Saints Fall to Springfield 77-64 in Non-Conference Matchup

BOSTON – A nine-point first half deficit was too much for Saints Men's Basketball (4-6) to overcome as Emmanuel fell to the Springfield Pride (3-5) 77-64 Tuesday night in a non-conference matchup on Andy Yosinoff Court.  

A slow start from the Saints to begin the game allowed the Pride to open an early 9-3 advantage through four and a half minutes of play. The two sides traded baskets over the next ten minutes with the home team keeping the visitors within reach. With just under seven minutes remaining in the first half and Springfield hanging on to a 20-17 advantage, the Pride went on a 12-2 run in four minutes to grow their lead to thirteen.

Throughout the half, Emmanuel had several chances to close in on Springfield's advantage or take the lead themselves, but were unable to get enough shots to fall. Springfield's balanced first half scoring effort with four players totaling at least six points was enough for the Pride to maintain a 35-26 lead at the break.

A Zaire Baines (Queens, N.Y.) jump shot and five straight points in a minute for Cameron Snowden (Franklin Park, N.J.) brought the Saints within five just four minutes into the second half. The Pride responded, outscoring the Saints 17-7 over the next six minutes before the midway point of the second frame and to gain a 55-40 advantage. The Saints were unable to get within 10 throughout the remaining 10 minutes, eventually falling by a score 77-64.

Springfield's Josiah Evely (Toronto, Ontario) led all scorers with 22 points, also adding nine rebounds. Joe Hoch (South Ozone, N.Y.) contributed 21 points for the Pride. For the Saints, Donte Pope (Middletown, Conn.) recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Up next, the Saints will take a short break for exams and the holidays before traveling to California for games against Claremont-Mudd Scripps on 12/28 and the California Institute of Technology on 12/30. Following a short break for Springfield, the Pride will participate in the Naismith Classic in their home gymnasium on 12/30 and 12/31.