BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Rookie guard Jonathan Reno (Staten Island, N.Y./Moore Catholic) poured in a career-high 30 points on Wednesday night, leading the St. Joseph's University, NY (Brooklyn) men's basketball team to a narrow 77-75 victory over Purchase College.

Joining Reno in double figures was Evan Sirakis (Hollis Hills, N.Y./St. Francis Prep), netting 18 points on the night.

How it Happened

The Bears (5-13, 2-7) possessed an early 5-0 lead but the Panthers (7-10, 2-7) took the advantage shortly thereafter. SJBK swung the lead in their favor from the line courtesy of Chris Williams (Trenton, N.J./Nottingham) at 10:34, 17-16. The advantage exchanged hands thrice in the next three minutes; culminating in a Purchase 11-0 run, 32-23. However, the navy and gray trimmed their deficit to two, 35-33, at the half.

Reno drew the game level in the opening moments of the second half, 35-35. For much of the period, neither side led by more than five points. Trailing 64-63, the Bears assembled an 11-2 run to take an eight-point lead with 1:41 left to play, 74-66. A seven-point Purchase run closed the Bears' lead to one however, St. Joseph's held on as free throws from Sirakis and Reno sealed the two-point triumph.

For the Bears

• Reno's previous season-high was 28 points against Yeshiva in the second game of the season (Nov. 16). He also forced a game-high four steals.
• Sirakis finished with four assists, three rebounds, and two steals to go along with his 18 points. He also went 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.
• Joe Sheehan (Staten Island, N.Y./Gaynor McCown) logged eight points and seven rebounds.
• Anderson Beltre (East Elmhurst, N.Y./Holy Cross) totaled six points and as many boards.

Up Next

The Bears visit Manhattanville College on Saturday, January 28 at 1 p.m. Live stats and video of the contest will be available on sjbkathletics.com/live.