RENSSELAER, Ind. – The Saint Joseph’s College men’s basketball team evened its record on Sunday with a 76-62 victory over Indiana Tech. SJC also gave the NAIA’s 18th ranked team its first loss of the season.
Four players reached double figures for the Pumas (1-1) at Richard F. Scharf Alumni Fieldhouse, but the Warriors (6-1) took control through the first 20 minutes of action. In a fast paced first half Tech shot 71 percent from field, but eight turnovers kept the game within two possessions. SJC trailed 42-36 at intermission with the help of Dayvon Sloan (Jr., Louisville, Ken./Waggener) who scored a team best 10 first half points.
At the start of the second half, Phillip Collins (RSr., Indianapolis, Ind./Pike) dropped a pair of lay-ups as the Pumas exploited Tech in transition by getting high percentage shots. The Warriors played eight players exclusively and their legs did not have as much spring after five minutes of the second half. Ryan Rebholz’s (Fr., Fishers, Ind./Fishers) lay-up at 14:44 gave SJC a 49-48 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish.
Holding a 54-53 lead, SJC embarked on 14-0 run that was highlighted by the outside shooting of Corey Clifton (Fr., Van Wert, Ohio/Van Wert) and Jason Chorba (RJr., Hammond, Ind./Bishop Noll. D.J. Martinez (So., Troy, Ohio/Troy) put the exclamation point on the rally after a thunderous dunk off a high lob pass from Sloan.
Dayvon Sloan and Corey Clifton each finished the game with a team-high 15 points. Sloan also dished out eight assists. Phillip Collins added 14 points and five rebounds while Ryan Rebohlz added 12 points.
The Pumas will travel to Indianapolis on Friday to play in the Indianapolis Classic. SJC will play Northern Michigan in the opening contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 PM EST.