St. Joe's finally puts away Coppin State

BALTIMORE - Coming off Saturday's 80-51 loss at Creighton, St. Joseph's had a more favorable road foe Tuesday night in Coppin State. But despite getting a 67-55 win against the 1-7 Eagles at the Physical Education Complex, Phil Martelli's Hawks suffered through several rough stretches.

For now, the Hawks are just happy for a win, improving their record to 5-2.

"We played really bad Saturday," said St. Joseph's center C.J. Aiken who had 14 points, nine rebounds, four blocked shots and four turnovers. "[Martelli] told us that good teams don't lose twice [in a row]."

Guard Carl Jones led the Hawks with 15 points, while Langston Galloway scored 14. Ronald Roberts, averaging 9.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, didn't play for St. Joseph's because of a bruised thigh.

The Hawks missed the 6-foot-8 Roberts' inside play.

Coppin State led, 31-30, at halftime after the Eagles went on a late 15-0 run that allowed them to take a 31-28 lead.

"I am not saying Coppin State is not a good team, and they went on a good run - but we need to bring energy in the beginning of the game," said Halil Kanacevic, who had six points, 12 rebounds and four assists, but made four turnovers.

Coppin State coach Fang Mitchell, the product of Camden's Woodrow Wilson High, always plays a difficult non-league schedule to prepare for the MEAC. On Saturday, his team dropped an 87-51 decision to No. 1 Indiana.

With under 13 minutes in the second half, St. Joseph's held just a 47-44 lead before finally assuming control, going on a 7-0 run.

So it wasn't the smoothest effort, especially since St. Joseph's committed 14 turnovers, compared to 10 for the Eagles. Michael Murray, a 6-5 junior, led Coppin State with 27 points and 12 rebounds.

After seven games, the Hawks remain a team looking for consistency.

"I am not ecstatic and I am not disappointed [about the team after seven games, but] I am [happy about the effort] this day," Martelli said. "We did what we came here to do - win a game and improve."