St. John’s Falls to Fordham, 73-57

(ANDREW THEODORAKIS/ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

St. John’s fell to Fordham yesterday, at the Rose Hill Gym, on Fordham Campus. Fordham had a strong first half, building the lead to 16 by halftime. The deficit was too much to overcome, as the Johnnies played well the second half but could not get the job done.

Felix Balamou matched a career-high with 14 points and contributed a team-best five assists as well. Christian Jones also added 11 points and five rebounds. Kassoum Yakwe made his collegiate-debut, playing 18 minutes with nine points and three rebounds.

For Fordham, Ryan Rhoomes had a fabulous game contributing 26 points and 12 rebounds. Jon Severe and Mandell Thomas also added 14 points apiece. Fordham came out ready to play as they shot 50%, 16-of-32 in the first half and overall 44.8% from the field. Fordham quickly had a 6-0 lead and didn’t look back as they never trailed in the game. The Johnnies brought the deficit to one with 10 minutes left in the first half, however, the Rams responded efficiently. They quickly went on a 12-2 run and another 7-0 run short after, building a 41-25 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Johnnies cut the lead to 12 with 11 minutes left, after a Mussini three pointer a pair of Mvouika free throws, but that was all they could get. Fordham answered with another 12-3 run and the game was put out of reach.

Chris Mullin on the loss said, “They played with force, got all the 50/50 balls, and made a lot of hustle plays. All the credit goes to Fordham.” Balamou added, “It was a tough game on the road,” [When you have] 19 turnovers in college basketball it’s tough to win. We didn’t play well, but we just have to go back to work and get ready for the next game.” The Johnnies are now 4-3 on the season, while the Rams are 5-1. The Rams also ended a four game losing streak against St. John’s.

St. John’s is back in action this Sunday, as they take on St. Francis of Brooklyn in their first Madison Square Garden appearance this season.