Delaware State vs Saint Joseph’s: Why the Hawks Keep Winning

It isn't exactly the Big 5, and it doesn't have the historic weight of a Holy War, but the Delaware State vs Saint Joseph’s matchup has quietly become a telling barometer for both programs. If you've been watching the mid-major scene in the Northeast lately, you know these games are rarely about the final score alone. They're about identity.

On December 18, 2025, the Saint Joseph's Hawks welcomed the Delaware State Hornets to Philadelphia. It was a cold night, the kind of night where the rim feels a little tighter and the floor a bit harder. The Hawks walked away with a 67-51 victory. It wasn't a masterpiece. Honestly, it was a bit of a grind. But for Billy Lange and his crew, it was exactly what they needed—a win built on the backs of their younger players when the veterans weren't the ones carrying the load.

The Night the Youth Took Over

Most people expected Erik Reynolds II or Xzayvier Brown to light up the scoreboard. That's the script, right? But the script got flipped. Saint Joseph's was a bit shorthanded, and that opened a massive door for the freshmen.

📖 Related: Millonarios vs Independiente Medellín: Why This Match Still Breaks the Internet

Austin Williford. Remember that name. The freshman guard had a literal breakout party, putting up a career-high 14 points. He wasn't just scoring; he was a menace on the defensive end, swiping five steals. It’s rare to see a kid that young read passing lanes so well. He looked like he’d been playing in the Atlantic 10 for three years already.

Then you had Khaafiq Myers, a redshirt freshman who added 11 points. When you have freshmen and redshirts combining for 30 of your 67 points, you've gotta feel good about the future of the program.

Delaware State, meanwhile, struggled to find a rhythm. They’re a scrappy group, but shooting 32.3% from the field is a recipe for a long bus ride back to Dover. Corey Perkins did what he could, finishing with 9 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals, but the Hornets just couldn't buy a bucket when it mattered most.

Breaking Down the Delaware State vs Saint Joseph’s Stats

Let's talk about the grit. Delaware State might have lost the game, but they didn't lose the fight. They actually won the battle on the boards in a lot of ways, especially the offensive glass. They pulled down 13 offensive rebounds. That led to 11 second-chance points. Bessanty Saragba and Cyril Obasogie (who grabbed 7 boards off the bench) were relentless.

The real difference was the shooting efficiency:

👉 See also: Brock Bowers Trump Dance: What Really Happened in Miami

• Field Goal Percentage: Saint Joseph’s hit 39.3% compared to Delaware State’s 32.3%.
• The Three-Ball: The Hawks knocked down 8 triples (at a 29.6% clip). The Hornets only managed 4.
• Defense: Justice Ajogbor was a literal wall in the paint, finishing with 4 blocks for the Hawks.

It’s kind of wild when you look at the scoring runs. St. Joe's had a 17-4 run in the second half that basically put the game on ice. One minute it’s a contest, the next, the Hawks are up 61-38 and the energy in Hagan Arena just shifts.

Why This Matchup Matters for the Hornets

Stan Waterman is building something at Delaware State, even if the record doesn't always reflect it immediately. Playing teams like St. Joe's is part of the "iron sharpens iron" philosophy. You've got guys like Ponce James, who led the Hornets with 12 points in that December matchup. He’s a sophomore now, and you can see the growth in his game.

The Hornets have this habit of playing tough schedules. They've faced Syracuse, Miami, and Rutgers recently. By the time they hit MEAC play, they’re usually battle-tested. The problem against the Hawks was basically just the lack of a "knockout" scorer. When they needed a 10-0 run to get back into it, the shots just rattled out.

Honestly, the Delaware State vs Saint Joseph’s series is a bit lopsided lately. Since 2024, the Hawks have taken both matchups (76-58 in 2024 and 67-51 in 2025). But if you look closer, the Hornets covered the spread in that 2025 game. Vegas had the Hawks as 18.5 or 19-point favorites, and DSU fought to keep it to 16. That matters to the guys in the locker room. It shows they aren't just showing up for a paycheck; they're competing.

✨ Don't miss: NFL Honors AP Coach of the Year: Why Mike Vrabel is the Man to Beat

Key Players to Watch Moving Forward

If these two meet again, or as they move into their respective conference tournaments, keep an eye on these specific contributors.

For the Hawks:

1. Austin Williford: He's the spark plug. If he develops a consistent jump shot to go with his defensive instincts, he’s an All-Conference talent.
2. Dasear Haskins: He’s a 6'8" guard who almost had a double-double (9 points, 8 rebounds) against the Hornets. That kind of length is a nightmare for smaller MEAC backcourts.
3. Anthony Finkley: He’s a "glue guy" who finishes with 8 points and 8 rebounds without ever needing a play called for him.

For the Hornets:

1. Ponce James: He’s the engine. When he’s aggressive, the whole team plays better.
2. Corey Perkins: The senior leadership is there. He’s the one who calms them down when the crowd gets loud.
3. Miles Webb: A 6'8" forward who provides much-needed size and can stretch the floor occasionally.

What Most People Get Wrong About These Games

There's a common misconception that these non-conference games against MEAC schools are just "tune-ups" for the A-10 teams. That’s a dangerous way to look at it. If St. Joe’s hadn't brought the defensive intensity, Delaware State’s ability to crash the offensive glass would have made this a five-point game in the final minutes.

The Hawks' defense actually held Delaware State to zero "fast break" points for large stretches of the game. That's discipline. You've gotta respect that Lange has his guys playing hard regardless of the name on the front of the opponent's jersey.

Practical Insights for the Rest of the Season

If you're following these teams, here is what to look for in the coming weeks:

• Watch the Hawks' Injury Report: Their depth was tested against DSU. If they get fully healthy, they are a serious threat in the A-10.
• Monitor DSU's Shooting Splits: The Hornets are getting good looks. If they can jump from 32% to even 42% as a team, they will be a top-three seed in the MEAC.
• The Bench Factor: Delaware State got 20 points from their bench in the last meeting. That’s a huge plus. If their starters can match that production, they'll start turning these close losses into wins.

To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the box scores for the Hawks' next three conference games to see if Williford remains in the starting rotation. For the Hornets, check the turnover margin in their next home game; they forced 14 against St. Joe's, which is a great sign for their defensive pressure.