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Taylor Funk, Ejike Obinna post double-doubles as St. Joe’s beats George Washington, 72-61

St. Joseph's had two players post double-doubles in its 72-61 win over George Washington

St. Josephs Taylor Funk shoots in the first half of the George Washington at St. Joseph’s University division A-10 mens basketball game at St. Joe’s Hagan Arena in Phila., Pa. on Jan. 19, 2022.
St. Josephs Taylor Funk shoots in the first half of the George Washington at St. Joseph’s University division A-10 mens basketball game at St. Joe’s Hagan Arena in Phila., Pa. on Jan. 19, 2022.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
    by Rich Flanagan, For The Inquirer
    Published 

Taylor Funk led three players in double figures with 22 points as St. Joe’s handled George Washington, 72-61, Wednesday night at Hagan Arena.

Freshman Erik Reynolds II scored 19 points and senior forward Ejike Obinna added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Hawks (8-8, 2-3 Atlantic 10), who outrebounded the Colonials, 46-32. St. Joe’s put together a stingy defensive performance limiting George Washington (5-11, 1-3) to 40.6% shooting for the game.

Joe Bamisile scored 22 points and Brayon Freeman added 13 for a Colonials team that maintained a lead for just 1 minute, 36 seconds in the first half.

Hawks go as Funk goes

As he continues to move up the Hawks’ all-time scoring ladder, Funk has done everything to help his team rack up a win in the process. His and-one finish with 3:19 remaining in the first half put the Hawks in front by five, then two minutes later his three-pointer from straightaway were part of a 10-4 run to close out the first 20 minutes. He poured in 15 points in the opening half.

Funk surpassed former Hawks standout James Demery for 32nd on the Hawks’ all-time scoring list with a fadeaway jumper in the lane to put the Hawks up 57-46 midway through the second half.

This marked his fifth double-digit scoring game in the last six and his first 20-point performance since Dec. 18 against Bradley. He also had 10 rebounds, including three on offensive boards, to give him a double-double.

Hall’s premier passing

Jordan Hall may have five double-doubles on the season but when he’s not able to score, his passing ability still allows him to be able to control the game. While he was held to four points, he dished out nine assists, marking the 13th time he has had at least five in a game this season. He went into the night ranked ninth in the nation at 6.3 assists per game, and his precision allows him to run coach Billy Lange’s offense from the point forward position.

He threw a gorgeous lob to Obinna to help give St. Joe’s a 10-point lead three minutes into the second half. Later, he hit the 6-foot-10 big man for another alley-oop to put the Hawks up 61-45 with 5:35 left to play. His final assist of the night came on a beautiful feed to Cameron Brown for a three with less than two minutes remaining.

    RF
    Rich Flanagan, For The Inquirer
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