“`html
news Aggregator">
Saint Joseph’s hawks and George Mason Patriots set for A-10 Semifinal Battle
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Saint Joseph’s Hawks men’s basketball team is gearing up for a high-stakes semifinal clash against the No. 2 seed George Mason Patriots in the Atlantic 10 championship.Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on March 15, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Basketball fans nationwide can catch the action live on CBS sports Network as the Hawks aim to add another chapter to their storied history in the A-10 tournament, seeking their fifth championship title.
The Saint Joseph’s Hawks enter this contest with a legacy deeply intertwined with the Atlantic 10 Championship. Having participated in every season of the tournament, the Hawks have hoisted the trophy four times, etching their name in A-10 history in 1986, 1997, 2014, and 2016. their journey to the championship game also includes three other appearances in 2005, 2006, and 2008, showcasing their consistent competitiveness. With an all-time tournament record of 48-37, the Hawks have proven their mettle in the conference year after year.
Adding a unique dimension to their tournament narrative, Saint Joseph’s boasts a perfect record in overtime games at the atlantic 10 Championship. Following a recent victory, the Hawks now stand at an impressive 9-0 in overtime contests. The most recent of these nail-biting games occurred on March 11, 2011, when the 12th-seeded Hawks soared to a 93-90 triumph over No. 4 Duquesne, further solidifying their reputation for clutch performances.
Defense has emerged as a cornerstone of Saint Joseph’s success, notably the stellar performance of Justice Ajogbor. In a recent game against Dayton, Ajogbor showcased his shot-blocking prowess, swatting away a career-high seven shots, with six of them occurring in the first half. This remarkable performance is tied for the fourth-highest single-game total in Atlantic 10 Championship history. As a team, SJU recorded 10 blocks against the Flyers, marking their fourth game this year with double-digit blocks.The last time SJU achieved 10 or more blocks in a game was on January 12, 2013, against Duquesne, highlighting the rarity and impact of such a defensive display.
Ajogbor’s shot-blocking skills are complemented by Rasheer Fleming, who has recorded 53 blocks this season. The dynamic duo ranks sixth and 37th in NCAA Division I in total blocks, respectively, and are first and fourth in the conference. Saint Joseph’s stands out as one of only two teams in the nation with two players having 50 or more blocks each, matching Lamar for the top spot.This is the first time St. Joe’s has had two players with 50 or more blocks in a season since 2011-12, when C.J. Aiken had 120 and Halil Kanecevic had 58, underscoring the rarity and meaning of their combined defensive impact.
Erik Reynolds II has consistently delivered strong performances throughout his career, particularly in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. he leads all active A-10 players with 17.4 points per game in conference championship play and is second in total points with 157. nationally, he is tied for 13th in total points in conference tournament games in NCAA Division I and is fifth in points per game. Reynolds has two 30-point games in the A-10 championship, including a 34-point effort against George Washington in 2023, the most in an Atlantic 10 tournament game since 2018. He is one of two players with multiple games of 30 or more points in the conference championship since 2005, alongside Peyton Aldridge of Davidson, solidifying his status as a premier tournament performer.
The Hawks have demonstrated resilience in recent A-10 Championships, winning multiple games in each of the last two tournaments. They have also secured a win in three consecutive years and four of the last five. Their record in conference postseason play since the start of the 2023 tournament is 6-2. Prior to this run, SJU was 3-6 after winning its second title in three years in 2016. Head coach Billy Lange holds a 7-5 record in the A-10 Tournament, making him one of two coaches with a winning record in the event, showcasing his strategic acumen and leadership.
The No. 6 seed has proven to be a favorable position in recent Atlantic 10 Championships. With the Hawks’ win, the No. 6 seed has won a game in six of the last seven tournaments. In three of the last five tournaments that were played to completion, the sixth seed has emerged victorious.Saint Louis claimed the title from the spot in 2019, Richmond in 2022, and Duquesne last season, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977, highlighting the potential for lower-seeded teams to make a deep tournament run.
Winning four games in four days to secure a conference tournament title is a challenging but achievable feat. As 2017, 22 teams across NCAA Division I have accomplished this, averaging 2.75 per season. Last year, three teams were prosperous, including Duquesne in the A-10, along with New Mexico and NC State.NC State became the second team to win five games in five days in their run to the ACC crown. The most in any season since 2017 was in 2021, when five teams won four games in four days to earn a title, illustrating the demanding but rewarding path to a conference championship.
George Mason enters the game with an impressive 25-7 overall record and a 15-3 mark in the A-10. The Patriots advanced to the semifinals with an 80-65 victory against No. 7 George Washington, showcasing their dominance in the conference.
Jalen Haynes leads the Patriots’ offense with 13.8 points per game, closely followed by Darius Maddox at 13.5. Brayden O’Connor provides a third scoring option, averaging 9.7 points per game. Haynes also leads the team in rebounding with 7.1 per game.O’Connor has dished out 92 assists,while K.D. Johnson has 80, highlighting the balanced offensive contributions of the Patriots.
George Mason’s defense has been a formidable force, ranking 12th in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 63.1 points per game. They are third in field goal percentage defense (37.9) and 20th in three-point percentage defense (30.7), demonstrating their ability to stifle opponents’ scoring opportunities.
The patriots have also excelled in close games, going 7-1 in conference play in games decided by five points or less, showcasing their composure and ability to perform under pressure.
However, George Mason has struggled with ball security, ranking 14th in the A-10 and 284th nationally with 13.0 turnovers per game, an area that Saint Joseph’s will look to exploit.
Tony Skinn is in his second season as the head coach at his alma mater, having achieved 20-win seasons in both campaigns, demonstrating his ability to build a winning program.
Saturday’s game marks the 19th all-time matchup between the Hawks and Patriots, with George Mason holding an 11-7 series lead. All but one of the matchups between St. Joe’s and GMU have occurred since the Patriots joined the Atlantic 10 for the 2013-14 season. The only other game between the schools in men’s basketball was a 73-64 Saint Joseph’s win in the Opening Round of the 2002 NIT, adding historical context to their rivalry.
In their most recent encounter on February 15, 2025, George Mason narrowly escaped with a 58-57 victory after a furious second-half comeback and a missed shot at the buzzer from the Hawks. Xzayvier Brown led SJU with 19 points, adding four rebounds and three steals. Erik Reynolds II contributed 11 points in the game, setting the stage for a possibly thrilling rematch.
The winner of the Saint Joseph’s and George Mason game will advance to face the winner of the VCU and Loyola Chicago matchup in the Atlantic 10 Championship game on sunday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m., with a coveted conference title and NCAA Tournament berth on the line.
A-10 Semifinals Showdown: Can saint Joseph’s Hawks Upset the George Mason Patriots?
The Atlantic 10 Championship is often a launching pad for Cinderella stories, and this year’s matchup between Saint Joseph’s and George Mason has all the makings of another nail-biter.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Johnson, welcome. Saint Joseph’s and George Mason are set to clash in the A-10 semifinals.What makes this matchup so compelling from a historical and strategic outlook?
Dr.Johnson (Expert
A-10 Semifinals Showdown: Can Saint Joseph’s Hawks Upset the George mason Patriots?
Will a lower seed conquer in this year’s Atlantic 10 Championship?
Interviewer (Senior Editor,world-today-news.com): Dr. Johnson, welcome. Saint Joseph’s adn George Mason are set to clash in the A-10 semifinals. What makes this matchup so compelling from a historical and strategic outlook?
Dr. Johnson (Expert): This A-10 semifinal is captivating for several reasons. Frist, the historical context is rich. Saint Joseph’s, a program with a long and storied history in the Atlantic 10, carries the weight of past successes – four tournament titles – into this contest. Their consistent presence and remarkable overtime record in the championship highlight their experience and ability to perform under pressure. This contrasts sharply with George Mason’s more recent rise to prominence within the conference. Their strong regular season performance positions them as a formidable opponent, making this a clash of styles and traditions.
Interviewer: Both teams possess noticeable strengths. Can you elaborate on the key strategic elements each team will likely employ?
Dr. Johnson: Absolutely. Saint Joseph’s defensive prowess, notably their exceptional shot-blocking ability demonstrated by Ajogbor and Fleming, will be a important factor. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses is a key tactical element. They will undoubtedly look to exploit George Mason’s relative weakness in ball security,forcing turnovers to generate scoring opportunities. On the offensive end, Erik Reynolds II’s consistent performance in the A-10 Tournament, notably his scoring prowess, is a critical weapon for Saint Joseph’s.
George Mason, on the other hand, boasts a strong scoring defense, ranking highly nationally in several key defensive metrics. This will undoubtedly force Saint joseph’s to execute patiently and strategically on offense. The Patriots’ balanced scoring attack, spearheaded by Haynes, Maddox, and O’Connor, presents a challenge to Saint Joseph’s defense. their ability to effectively manage possession and limit turnovers will be crucial to their success.
Interviewer: The No. 6 seed has shown surprising strength in recent A-10 tournaments. How does this impact the pre-game analysis of Saint Joseph’s chances?
dr. Johnson: The success of lower seeds like the No. 6 seed in recent A-10 tournaments adds an interesting layer of intrigue to this game. Historically, teams seeded lower than expected have proven capable of making deep runs. This history boosts Saint Joseph’s chances, suggesting that upsets and unexpected outcomes are not uncommon in this tournament. it shows that talent and strategic execution can trump pure seeding.Saint Joseph’s, having secured the sixth seed, must leverage this historical trend to propel themselves to victory.
Interviewer: What are the key matchups to watch for within this game?
Dr. Johnson: Several individual matchups will be critical to the game’s outcome. The battle between Saint Joseph’s shot-blockers and George Mason’s offensive players is one key aspect to focus on. How effectively George Mason can penetrate Saint Joseph’s defense, particularly against Ajogbor and Fleming, as well as whether George Mason can keep Reynolds II’s offensive production in check, will be critical aspects influencing the final score. Conversely, the performance of George Mason’s defense against an experienced and successful offensive team like saint Joseph’s will be a pivotal factor in the game’s flow. The team’s ability to adapt and respond to the various offensive and defensive strategies will dictate the final result.
Interviewer: what is your prediction for the outcome of this highly anticipated game?
Dr. Johnson: This is truly a toss-up game. Both teams possess considerable strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the team that executes its game plan effectively, controls turnovers and effectively counter the opposing team’s strengths will prevail. The success of Saint Joseph’s may hinge on limiting george Mason’s offensive capabilities, particularly by disrupting the team’s possession and generating turnovers. While George Mason’s success will depend on their ability to contain high-scoring players like Reynolds II. I believe that whichever team commits fewer errors and outperforms their opponent in crucial offensive and defensive contests at critical moments will secure passage to the championship game.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr.Johnson, for your compelling and insightful analysis. this definitely sets the stage for fans of both teams and the A-10 Conference! Readers, let us know what you think and what you’re looking forward to in the comments below! Share your thoughts on social media using #A10Championship #SaintJosephsHawks #GeorgeMasonPatriots.