Saint Joseph’s Rallies Past Loyola Chicago in Atlantic 10 Matchup
PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — Dasear Haskins scored 23 points and Jaiden Glover added 23 points and eight rebounds to lead Saint Joseph’s to a 75-61 victory over Loyola Chicago in an Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Hagan Arena.
The Hawks, improving to 17-10 overall, used a decisive first-half run to build a cushion and never trailed after the opening minutes, sweeping the season series from the Ramblers. Loyola Chicago fell to 6-22.
Saint Joseph’s seized control with a 17-2 surge midway through the first half, transforming a narrow 8-3 lead into a commanding 25-5 advantage. The Ramblers struggled mightily from the field during that stretch, missing 12 consecutive shot attempts over a span of more than seven minutes. The Hawks’ defense was stifling, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy transition opportunities, while their offense found consistent success inside, building a 34-13 edge in points in the paint for the game.
Haskins, a 6-foot-8 forward from Willingboro, New Jersey, was efficient throughout, making 10 of his 17 field goal attempts. His scoring was complemented by the all-around play of guard Derek Simpson, who tallied 11 points, 10 assists and six rebounds, orchestrating the Saint Joseph’s offense with precision.
Loyola Chicago, which scored only 20 points in the first half and shot just 36.8% for the game, showed more life after halftime but could never cut the deficit to single digits. The Ramblers were led by 14 points apiece from guards Deywilk Tavarez and Kayde Dotson. Forward Miles Rubin contributed eight points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The most critical sequence of the game occurred late in the first half, cementing Saint Joseph’s dominance. After Loyola’s Miles Rubin missed a pair of free throws that could have trimmed the lead to 12 points with just under two minutes remaining, the Hawks executed a clinical fast break. Simpson pushed the ball ahead and found Austin Williford for a corner three-pointer, extending the lead to 33-20. On the ensuing Ramblers possession, Simpson stole the ball and was fouled, making both free throws. The five-point swing in a matter of seconds pushed the Saint Joseph’s lead to 35-20, and Loyola Chicago never seriously threatened again.
Saint Joseph’s maintained its offensive efficiency in the second half, answering every Ramblers push. When Loyola closed to within 13 points early in the period, Haskins responded with a three-pointer. Later, after the Ramblers cut the margin to 55-46 with just over eight minutes to play, the Hawks delivered a knockout blow. Simpson found Haskins for an alley-oop dunk, and after a defensive stop, Glover sank a three-pointer to push the lead back to 14 points and effectively seal the outcome.
The Hawks were sharp from the free-throw line, making 15 of 17 attempts, and committed only eight turnovers. Loyola Chicago, meanwhile, managed just four assists against 10 turnovers, highlighting their offensive struggles against a disciplined Saint Joseph’s defense.
A crowd of 2,847 at Hagan Arena saw the Hawks win their second straight game as they continue to position themselves for the upcoming conference tournament. Loyola Chicago has now lost three consecutive games.
Saint Joseph’s next hosts George Mason on Wednesday. Loyola Chicago returns home to face Richmond next Saturday.