Dec. 28, 2003

Box Score

Philadelphia, Pa. - Saint Joseph's built a 39-22 halftime lead and never looked back as the Hawks topped Stony Brook 69-53 in the first game of the Hawk Classic at the SJU Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon. With the loss, the Seawolves fell to 1-6 on the year while SJU improved to 5-3.

St. Joe's jumped out to a 15-5 lead just under six minutes into the contest fueled by 10 points from Stephanie Graff. The Hawks stretched their lead to as much as 22 at 38-16 with 3:21 remaining, but the Seawolves closed the half with a 6-1 run as Mykeema Ford connected on a three and a layup to pull within 17 at 39-22.

Stony Brook cut the lead back to 11 four minutes into the second fueled by five more points from Ford. That was as close as the Seawolves would get however, as SJU hit four consecutive three pointers to go back up by 21 and put the game out of reach.

SBU struggled from the field, shooting 31.8 percent (21-for-66) for the game, including just 26.5 percent (9-for-34) in the first half.

Ford finished with a career-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, including 3-of-5 from three point range. Jessica Smith added a career-best 16 rebounds, which tied a Hawk Classic record.

The Hawks were led by Graff's 20 points and nine boards.

The Seawolves return to action in the consolation game at 2:00 p.m. on Monday when they take on either George Mason or Charlotte.