Fifth-ranked John Carroll was looking to continue the momentum it had gained in an upset victory over #1 Towson Catholic, on Monday. However, Mount St. Joseph, the #2 team in the current Digital Top 20, overwhelmed the visiting Patriots with an early rush as the Gaels went onto a 73-54 rout, last night in Irvington.

Eric Atkins, a sophomore who cracked the St. Joe varsity as a freshman, led the Gaels with 28 points. He also added two assists, one rebound, and one steal. Senior Henry Sims was also very instrumental in leading the undefeated Gaels to their fifth victory. He had 19 points and dominated the glass with 11 rebounds. He also had five blocks.

John Carroll (6-2, 3-1), which will be on a season-long quest to prove they belong in the powerful A Conference, ran into buzz saw early. Led by 15 first half points from Atkins, St. Joe raced to a 17-point halftime lead and were never seriously threatened.

The Patriots were led by junior Isaiah Philmore, who scored a team-high 16 points, while junior added 10 points.

Mount Saint Joseph 73, John Carroll 54
John Carroll: Philmore 16, Wiegand 2, Jordan 8, Kusmieruk, 4, W. Smith 5, E. Smith 10, Maczko 5. Totals 17 16-20 54.
Mount Saint Joseph: Atkins 28, Sims 19, Miller 6, Turner 2, Hill 4, McCoy 3, Olsen 7, Jones 4. Totals 22 25-35 73.
Half: Mount St. Joseph, 35-18.