When and Where
December 17, 2025 – Hackettstown, NJ
John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center
Records
St. Joseph's University, New York (L.I.): 4-5 (1-0 Skyline)
Centenary University (NJ): 2-6 (0-0 Atlantic East)
Result
SJLI 57, Centenary 56
Top Performers
- Kenny Rodriguez led the Golden Eagles with a game-high 19 points, adding 11 rebounds to record a double-double while also contributing two assists and two steals in 38 minutes of action.
- AJ Esposito delivered a strong interior performance, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds while going 3-for-5 at the free-throw line in the closing minutes.
- Jaiden Gaston scored 12 points and knocked down two three-pointers, including a key second-half triple that helped SJLI create separation.
- TayShaun Hawkins chipped in eight points and five rebounds, including the game-winning free throws with six seconds remaining.
How It Happened
- SJLI wasted no time setting the tone, opening the game on a 5–0 run as TayShaun Hawkins knocked down a three-pointer and Kenny Rodriguez followed with a jumper to force Centenary into an early timeout mindset.
- The Golden Eagles continued to pressure defensively, using steals and defensive rebounds to fuel transition chances, building their largest first-half lead at 20–10 after a Jaiden Gaston three-pointer midway through the period.
- Centenary responded by attacking the paint and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, chipping away at the deficit and closing the half on a run that tied the game at 24–24 heading into the locker room.
- The second half opened with back-and-forth scoring and multiple lead changes, as neither team could create sustained separation and the margin remained within two possessions for much of the period.
- A Gaston three-pointer at the 17:05 mark sparked a brief SJLI surge, giving the Golden Eagles a 35–29 advantage, but Centenary answered with interior scoring and fast-break points to keep the contest tight.
- With under three minutes remaining, Centenary briefly took a one-point lead, forcing SJLI to execute in late-game situations on both ends of the floor.
- Gaston answered with a strong drive to the basket with 20 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one, setting up the decisive final sequence.
- After a defensive stop, Hawkins calmly converted both free throws with six seconds left, and the Golden Eagles secured the final stop to seal the 57–56 victory.
Notes
- SJLI outscored Centenary 33–32 in the second half and shot 87.5 percent from the free-throw line after halftime.
- Rodriguez finished with a team-high 11 rebounds as the Golden Eagles won the rebounding battle, 49–38.
- The contest featured five ties and six lead changes, with neither team holding a double-digit lead in the second half.
Up Next
SJLI returns to action on Tuesday, December 30, when they host Cairn for a non-conference matchup at 7:00 pm.
