By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
ST. JOSEPH - For the second time this season, Dowagiac coach Greg Blomgren questioned the desire of his basketball team.
Blomgren felt his squad lacked intensity, desire and hustle Tuesday night against St. Joseph.
The result? A 40-point blowout at the hands of the Bears.
Dowagiac's 73-33 loss to St. Joseph came as a surprise to Blomgren and his staff.
The Chieftains (1-13, 0-5) lost by only nine points, 39-30, in the first meeting with the Bears back in December.
But from the get-go Tuesday night it was evident that Dowagiac did not come to play.
The Chieftains trailed 9-0 early, and inspite of cutting the St. Joseph lead to 10 points on two occasions in the second quarter, Dowagiac was never really in the game.
A last-second shot to end the first half by St. Joseph seemed to seal Dowagiac's fate.
Dowagiac trailed 18-8 after one period of play and 34-19 at halftime.
The Chieftains were out-scored 39-14 in the second half as they took just 15 shots.
St. Joseph made 15 shots out of 24 attempts (62.5 percent) in the second half.
Kyle Hammond and David Clore both scored 15 points to lead St. Joseph.
Jamie Simpson had nine points and five rebounds for the Chieftains. Shawn Irvin finished with six points.
Dowagiac will host arch rival Niles Friday night. Tip-off is set for approximately 7:30 p.m.