MEDFORD, MA-Saint Joseph's (ME) put forth a valiant effort in the first round of the NCAA Tournament but ultimately fell to a strong Redlands squad, 89-79, at Cousens Gym in Medford, MA.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Bulldogs came out hot, building an early 10-0 lead, but the Monks battled back behind the scoring efforts of Silvano Ismail (Portland, ME) and Remijo Wani (Portland, ME). Both players found ways to attack the defense, with Ismail getting to the rim and Wani connecting from beyond the arc. Despite their efforts, Redlands' efficient first-half shooting—hitting nearly 57% from the floor—allowed them to take a 50-36 lead into the break.

Saint Joseph's responded with a strong second half, increasing their defensive pressure and chipping away at the deficit. Donato Wani (Portland, ME) provided a key spark, finishing with a double-double, while Ismail and Wani continued to pace the offense. A three-pointer from Wani with just over four minutes left cut the Redlands lead to 10, giving the Monks a surge of momentum. However, the Bulldogs made key plays down the stretch, using their transition game to hold off the late push.
Playing in their final collegiate game, Teagan Hynes (York, ME) and Julian Llopiz (Boston, MA) both contributed in crucial moments, with Hynes leading the team in assists and Llopiz knocking down a late three-pointer.

STATS OF THE GAME:
Redlands' efficient shooting played a major role in the outcome, as the Bulldogs finished at 53.7% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range, compared to 36.6% and 33.3% for Saint Joseph's. At the free-throw line, the Monks had an advantage, hitting 11-of-15 attempts (73.3%), while Redlands converted just 6-of-13 (46.2%). Fast-break opportunities proved to be a difference-maker, with Redlands scoring 25 points in transition compared to 7 for Saint Joseph's. The Bulldogs also capitalized on turnovers, turning Saint Joseph's mistakes into 19 points, while the Monks managed to score 22 points off turnovers of their own.

STAT LEADERS-SAINT JOSEPH'S:

• Silvano Ismail led the Monks with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in a strong all-around performance.
• Remijo Wani also tallied 19 points, while adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists to help fuel the offense.
• Donato Wani recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds while also contributing 2 assists.
• Teagan Hynes, in his final collegiate game, provided 3 points, 3 rebounds, and a team-high 5 assists.
• Julian Llopiz came off the bench and contributed 5 points and 1 rebound in his final game as a Monk.

STAT LEADERS-REDLANDS:

• Lucas Gordon led the Bulldogs with a double-double, scoring 16 points while adding 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks.
• Dayvon Gates made a big impact off the bench, finishing with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
• Omari Ferguson provided 12 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the floor while adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
• Chozen Amadi contributed 11 points, including a three-pointer, while pulling down 3 rebounds.
• Kendrick Currey played a key role in distributing the ball, scoring 10 points while leading all players with 7 assists and adding 5 rebounds.

NEXT:
Though the loss concludes the Monks season, they showcased the grit and fight that defined their successful season. Redlands advances to face Tufts University tomorrow, while Saint Joseph's concludes a strong campaign with a 24-5 record.