RICHMOND, Va. – Saint Joseph’s Hawks delivered a significant road victory Sunday, overcoming Richmond 67-65 in a game that saw senior Derek Simpson eclipse a major career milestone. This win isn’t just about adding another tally to the win column; it signals a potential shift in momentum for the Hawks within a competitive Atlantic 10 Conference landscape.
- Simpson’s Milestone: Derek Simpson surpassed 1,000 career points and added a career-high 13 rebounds, demonstrating his evolving all-around game.
- Hawks’ First-Half Surge: A dominant first half, ending with a 45-33 lead, proved crucial in securing the victory, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
- A10 Tightening: Both Saint Joseph’s and Richmond now stand at 2-2 in conference play, highlighting the increasing parity within the Atlantic 10.
The Hawks’ victory was fueled by Simpson’s impressive performance, but also benefited from solid contributions from Austin Williford (12 points) and Dasear Haskins (11 points). Simpson’s ability to score and now consistently contribute on the boards is a key development for Saint Joseph’s. The Atlantic 10 has historically been a multi-bid league in March Madness, and games like these – hard-fought road wins – are the building blocks for securing those coveted spots. Richmond, despite the loss, remains a strong contender, led by Aiden Argabright’s 15 points and five assists. However, their inability to overcome the Hawks’ first-half lead raises questions about their consistency.
The Forward Look: The immediate schedule presents crucial tests for both teams. Saint Joseph’s hosting Saint Bonaventure on Wednesday will be a significant barometer of their ability to build on this road win. Saint Bonaventure is consistently a top-tier A10 program, and a home victory would solidify the Hawks’ position as a legitimate contender. For Richmond, the home game against La Salle offers an opportunity to rebound quickly. However, the Spiders will need to address their slow starts and improve their shooting efficiency – they were just 1 for 6 from beyond the arc on Sunday – if they want to maintain their position at the top of the conference standings. The next few weeks will be critical in determining which of these teams can establish themselves as a frontrunner for the A10 tournament title and, potentially, an NCAA Tournament berth. Expect coaches to emphasize defensive adjustments and offensive consistency in preparation for these upcoming matchups.
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