ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Ahmad Nivins' reverse jam gave him four points and Saint Joseph's is out in front, 8-5, at the first media timeout just over four minutes in. Mark Tyndale hit all his free throws after Pat Calathes fouled him on a three-point attempt.

Nivins has a pair of FTs after the media timeout ends.

Boardwalk Hall is finally buzzing tonight after a week of less-than-stellar crowds. Yesterday's crowds were decent-sized, but things are definitely hot tonight. Former Temple guard Mardy Collins -- who, unfortunately, has to play for the Knicks now -- is here. Earlier in the week, former Princeton coach Pete Carrill was in attendance.

Unfortunately, there were no celebrities here as big as the man down the boardwalk: The Iron Shiek, who was part of a comedy tour at the House of Blues last night.