It’s not always wise to make judgments after just three games, but what the heck: Let’s start making judgments after three games. Maybe, for starters, Saint Joe’s is better than everyone thought. Maybe the Hawks can actually score a little even though everything everywhere else (well, we said it here, too) said they couldn’t. Maybe coach Phil Martelli has got a bit of a sleeper this year.

The Hawks beat Boston College, 84-80, in the opening round of the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, last night. That’s a win against a pretty good ACC team — anyone else still not used to the fact that BC is no longer in the Big East? — on a neutral floor. And that’s 84 points by a Hawks team that figured to have to labor to get 65 or 70 most nights this season.

Garrett Williamson, never known for his offense but tabbed to be more offensive-minded out of necessity in this, his senior season, had a career-high 18 points. He also hit 5 of 6 free throws in the waning minutes to help win it (and 10 of 13 from the line overall), according to The Inquirer. Darrin Govens added 16, as did Carl Jones, the freshman who was so clutch in Tuesday’s win over Holy Cross. Saint Joe’s was 10-for-21 from the arc, too. All told, nine Hawks players scored, which is something we’re likely going to have to get used to.

Saint Joe’s was outrebounded, 46-38, including 21 offensive boards from BC, so we’re probably going to have to get used to that, too.

But a win is a win, and the Hawks are unbeaten through three games. How long will it last? Anyone’s guess. They play No. 7 Purdue (2-0) tonight at 8:30 in the next round of the tourney.

Links: Freshman Jones the man in Saint Joe’s win [BIG FIVE POST]
Saint Joe’s beats BC [The Inquirer]