Box score

RENSSELAER, Ind. -- After a slow start that saw the SBU Bearcats trailing 10-7 at halftime, the Bearcats rallied with 21 second half points to defeat the Saint Joseph's College Pumas, 28-16.

"We came out slow in the first half," said head coach Keith Allen. "We challenged them at the half and our kids responded. We made some adjustments and finished strong. Our ten-hour bus ride home will be a lot more enjoyable."

The Pumas (4-6) broke on top early in the second quarter on an 80-yard touchdown run by Jashon Banks. The Bearcats (5-5) tied the game nine minutes later on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Steve Gachette to Elon Paige. St. Joseph's would tack on a 26-yard field goal by Drake Gadberry just before halftime to lead 10-7 at the break.

The Bearcats used two third quarter rushing touchdowns from freshman Semaj Edwards to claim the lead for good. The first score came from two yards out with 12:07 left in the third while the second TD came with 7:21 left from seven yards out. SBU would get their third second half touchdown in the early fourth quarter, when Gachette hit Charles Johnson from 21 yards out. St. Joe's would add a late touchdown with 43 seconds left in the ballgame on a 20-yard pass from Mike Hladik to Michael Cochran.

Thad Everson led the Bearcats' ground game with 112 yards on 17 carries. Tiras Harris carried 12 times for 46 yards while Edwards rushed six times for 17 yards but scored twice. Gachette completed 15 of 22 passes for 190 yards, with two scores and one interception. Johnnie King had five catches for 43 yards while Paige and Johnson each caught touchdown passes.

Tyrin Holt and Jarred Schumpert led the defense with nine tackles each, while Lavarus Rue, Casey Smith and Jordan Jackson had eight stops each. Rue and Willie Johnson had interceptions for the 'Cats while Schumpert recorded two sacks.

Allen noted that it had rained in the area for two straight days and the field conditions affected both teams, especially in the passing game. "But our running game was a positive, as was our defense with six sacks. Our kicking and punt teams also did a great job. We're looking forward to ending on a good note next week for Senior Day. We have the opportunity for a winning record and we'll recognize 14 seniors."

The Senior Day festivities will be prior to next week's game at home against Missouri S&T, which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. from Plaster Stadium. With a win, the Bearcats would have their first winning record since 2001, when SBU went 6-5.