When and Where
December 30, 2025 – Patchogue, NY
John A. Danzi Center
Records
St. Joseph's University, Long Island, 5-5 (1-0 Skyline)
Cairn University, 9-3 (2-0 UnitedEast)
Result
The St. Joseph's University, Long Island men's basketball team withstood a late surge to defeat Cairn University, 80–76, on Tuesday evening in Patchogue.
Top Performers
- Kenny Rodriguez recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, adding seven assists while shooting 9-for-10 from the free throw line.
- AJ Esposito also posted a double-double, finishing with 10 points and a game-high 19 rebounds, along with three assists and two blocks in the paint.
- Jaiden Gaston followed with 23 points, knocking down five three-pointers and providing consistent scoring throughout the contest.
- TayShaun Hawkins added 16 points on four made threes and contributed defensively with a block and a steal.
How It Happened
- Cairn opened the game on a 13–2 run, capitalizing on early turnovers and transition opportunities as SJLI searched for an offensive rhythm.
- The Golden Eagles answered behind perimeter shooting from Gaston and Hawkins, using a 28–14 run over the remainder of the first half to turn the early deficit into a 35–27 halftime lead.
- The Golden Eagles came out of the break aggressively, pushing the lead into double figures within the first four minutes of the second half.
- Back-to-back three-pointers by Gaston, followed by a fast-break finish from Rodriguez, extended the margin to as many as 21 points midway through the half.
- Cairn chipped away late, knocking down multiple three-pointers and converting at the free throw line to cut the deficit to four in the final minute.
- St. Joseph's remained composed down the stretch, converting key free throws in the final seconds to secure the 80–76 victory.
Notes
- SJLI shot 44.8% from beyond the arc (13-of-29), a key factor in the win.
- The Golden Eagles held a 54–41 rebounding advantage, including 14 offensive rebounds.
- Rodriguez led all players in rebounds and assists, recording a double-double.
- Cairn was limited to 32.9% shooting from the field despite scoring 25 points off turnovers.
Up Next
The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday, January 3, when they travel to Maritime for a Skyline Conference matchup at 1:00 pm.
