By Paul Gotham
First thoughts on the Canisius Golden Griffins 77-64 victory over Niagara’s Purple Eagles. The Golden Griffins improve to 2-0 in the MAAC for the third year in a row.
Pushin’ the mercury
Canisius entered play averaging 59.5 points a game on 35.4 percent (123-347) from the floor including 31.8 percent (42-132) behind the arc. The Griffs hit 49.1 percent (27-55) for the game on Saturday and 50 percent (8-16) from long range. The Blue and Gold started the second half 9-16.
Not to be outdone
Niagara closed the first half on an 11-2 run which saw the Purple Eagles connect 7-of-10 from the floor and 3-0f-3 behind the arc. Matt Scott and Emile Blackman closed the half with back-to-back treys.
Crumpton enjoys playing in front of the home crowd
Growing up just down the road, Griffs’ Jermaine Crumpton (Niagara Falls HS) has spent time shooting in the Taps Gallagher Center. It showed Saturday. The 6-6 forward led a Canisius bench effort which outscored their counterparts, 32-19. Crumpton connected on 5-of-7 including 2-of-2 behind the arc. The redshirt freshman showed his versatility stretching the defense and converting in the post with a jump hook in the lane. Crumpton finished with 13 in 14 minutes of playing time. His career high of 15 came at Cornell on November, 26th.
Heath makes it two in a row
Josiah Heath registered a season-high 10 points in the Griffs 60-57 victory over St. Peter’s on Wednesday. That mark lasted less than 72 hours. The senior forward netted 13 on 5-of-9 shooting Saturday. Heath added seven rebounds, an assist and a steal along with taking a charge. Heath’s career high is 14.
Valenti notches first double-double
Phil Valenti notched his first career double-double with a 15-point, 10-rebound performance. His career-high point total is 24 scored against Vermont earlier this season and 11 rebounds versus St. Bonaventure. Valenti also handed out a pair of assists and grabbed a pair of steals in Saturday’s win.
Jumpin’ Jamal
The Griffs’ Jamal Reynolds contributed on the offensive end with a dozen points, but the junior college transfer’s biggest contributions perhaps came on the defensive side of the ball. With Niagara looking to go on a run late in the second half, Reynolds climbed the ladder and blocked a Cameron Fowler open-floor layup. Two trips later, Reynolds stepped in and took a charge on Matt Scott in transition. Niagara put bookends around the Reynolds block. Rayvon Harris drilled a 3-pointer, and Scott converted an and-one to bring the Purple Eagles within six at 63-57 with 6:18 to go.
Play of the game
Jeremiah Williams capped a decisive 9-0 (part of a larger 21-7 run), second half run with a pair of highlight drives to the basket. First, the senior guard weaved through the lane, used an up and under move before contorting his body to release the ball with English off the glass. He went the length of the floor on the next trip before using a hesitation dribble on the wing to set up a Niagara defender to get to the basket for two. Williams scored seven and handed out five assists in 18 minutes.
Breaking out the legends
Prior to the game, Niagara dedicated the court at the Taps Gallagher Center in honor of former player and coach Frank Layden and his wife Barbara. As part of the day, NBA Hall of Fame alums Hubie Brown and Calvin Murphy were also on hand. Layden won 119 games as coach of Niagara before serving as head coach of the Utah Jazz for eight years. He was awarded NBA Coach of the Year in 1984. Also on hand was Layden’s assistant and eventual Jazz head coach, Jerry Sloan.
Junk Yard Griffs
Earlier this season, Canisius head coach Jim Baron referred to his team as “Junk Yard Dogs” meaning the Griffs wouldn’t look pretty doing it, but they can win. Saturday the Griffs took five charges and created 16 turnovers which they converted in 21 points. The Griffs also outscored Niagara 16-8 in second-chance points.
Feelin’ it
Niagara’s Scott knew the bottom of the net. The freshman guard tallied 13 on 5-of-5 shooting including 2-of-2 behind the arc.
They said it
Crumpton on playing in his hometown: “Growing up I liked the Purple Eagles up. I’m used to the rims. I had a chip on my shoulder a little bit.”
Next up
Canisius (4-3/2-0) travels to Amherst next Saturday where they will play UMass. A 4 p.m. tipoff is slated.
Niagara plays at Davidson next Saturday. A 7 p.m. tip is scheduled.
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