Tale of Two Halfs as Griffs fall to St. Peter's

Canisius came into today’s contest with the Peacocks of Saint Peter’s College looking to gain their first two game winning streak of the season but were unable to do so suffering a 74-60 defeat.

Harold Washington led the way for the Griffs with 19 but it wasn’t enough as a strong second half led St. Peter’s to victory. Washington struggled from the field going 3-18 but hitting 12-16 from the line. “Early on coach just told me to be aggressive because lately I’ve found it very easy get to the cup” said Washington.

The game was headlined by many big scoring runs by both teams. Canisius opened the game with the scoring taking leads of 2-0 and 4-2 but one of many Peacock runs left the Griffs trailing 12-5. The Griffs then used a 10-1 run of their own to take a 15-13 lead. Once again, another Peacock run, this time of 10-0, allowed them to gain the edge once again, 23-15.

Both teams traded baskets throughout the remaining stages of the first half until Canisius was able to close the half scoring the final 10 points to lead 31-25.

Washington had 10 in the first half for Canisius while Gabby Belardo had 8. The Griffs were able to hold a 6 point lead while shooting 7 fewer shots than St Peters. They were 10-20 (50%) from the floor and 2-4 from three point range.

In the second half, the Peacocks were able to light it up from deep as they were able to hit four triples in the first four minutes of play to zap all the energy that the Griffs brought out of the locker room. After those shots, Tom Parrotta’s squad didn’t look nor play the same.

St Peters outscored the Griffs 49-29 in the second half after Canisius held their opponents to just 25 in the first half. “When can you can’t make a bucket and there making shots, that’s were separation happens” said coach Parrotta.

Alshwan Hymes had 14 and Gabby Belardo 10 for Canisius. Chris Manhertz was consistently in foul trouble as he only had 6 rebounds and 3 points.

Parrotta addressed his two main players’ injuries after the game and said that guard Reggie Groves has severe arthritis in his knee which limits him in cutting and using his leg to the fullest. It takes him a while to get going. He also said that Gabby Belardo unfortunately will have to play the season with how his back is now and while it can’t get any worse than what it is right now, it will be discomfort.

Canisius will play their rival this Thursday, Niagara at the Koessler Athletic Center at 8:30 pm. It is a girls and guys double header with the women tipping at 6:00 pm.