St. Joe’s wins OT thriller to snap three-game losing streak vs. La Salle

Coaches stress that every second of games is important because sometimes even when the result is decided, strategies can be applied later.

Jordan Hall remembered in the last meeting against La Salle that he had success driving coast to coast in the last six minutes. So when he grabbed the rebound down two with 4.5 seconds left in regulation on Saturday, he knew exactly what he was going to do.

Hall drove to the basket and put a layup on the glass with 0.2 remaining. La Salle’s Sherif Kenney hit the ball after it touched the glass, resulting in goaltending and overtime.

The Hawks (2-14, 1-9 A-10) dominated the extra period and defeated the Explorers, 91-82, at Hagan Arena. The win snapped St. Joe’s three-game losing streak to La Salle.

“Honestly, I thought he blocked it,” Hall said of the last-second shot. “Then everybody ran [saying] goaltending and I’m like all right, we still got overtime.”

“I didn’t think I was going to get all the way there before the buzzer.”

Ryan Daly made his return and led the Hawks with 30 points. Hall earned his first career triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Taylor Funk added 20 points.

» READ MORE: Ryan Daly passes his own punch test as St. Joseph’s wins Big 5 OT thriller | Mike Jensen

La Salle’s Ashley Howard was ejected for the second time this season. He picked up his second technical after Christian Ray (18 points, 11 rebounds) drove to the bucket and no foul was called. It was 3 minutes, 44 seconds remaining and La Salle was trailing, 71-68. Howard said he didn’t swear or yell at the official.

“I just pointed something out to the official in a calm manner. Nothing that would’ve been threatening at all,” Howard said. “I was confused then and I’m still confused.”

The Hawks’ hadn’t played since Jan. 30 when they lost to Duquesne. Five games had been postponed during that time.