Behind a 14-0 second half run, the Saint Peter's College women's basketball team (3-22, 3-11 MAAC) was able to pick up their first home victory of the season, as they defeated the Canisius College Golden Griffins (12-13, 6-8 MAAC) by a score of 66-51. Kristal Edwards finished with 16 points to tie her career-high, while Quiana Porter recorded her fourth double-double of the season. With the win, the Peahens snap a seven game losing streak dating back to their last victory over Rider on January 15th.
After trailing the opening eight and a half minutes of the first half, the Peahens tied the score at 9-9 with a trey by Jynae Judson from the right wing. A jumper in the paint by Quiana Porter gave Saint Peter's their first lead of the game at 11-9 (11:45).
Canisius's Jenn Morabito would drain a three almost a minute later to regain the lead for the visitors at 12-11. Saint Peter's managed to tie the score on two more occasions before putting together an 7-2 run, fueled by five points from Kaydine Bent to go ahead 19-16 (7:20).
The lead proved to be short lived, as Jamie Ruttle connected on a three-pointer to even the score again at 19-19. Canisius led by as many as three points (23-20), until the Peahens went on an 8-0 run, capped by a made free-throw by Kristal Edwards with thirty-three seconds to go.
With one second left in the frame however, Canisius's Kayla Hoohuli was fouled from three-point range, and went 3-3 from the line. A technical foul was then called on the Peahen bench, and Hoohuli connected on both free throws as well to tie the game 28-28 heading into half-time.
For the half, Canisius outshot the Peahens 38.5% to 37.9%. Kaydine Bent led SPC in points with 7, while Kayla Hoohuli also recorded 7 points for the Griffs. The Peahens pulled down 21 first half rebounds, to the Golden Griffins' 13.
The Peahens were able to tie the score at 30-30 just over two minutes into the second half after a layup by Kristal Edwards. A two-point basket from Jynae Judson established a five-point lead, 37-32, at 16:48. Canisius would go on an 8-2 spurt to regain a two-point advantage (42-40), until the Peahens roared ahead with their own 15-3 run to go in front 55-45.
The Griffs entered a seven and a half minute scoring drought, during which the Peahens outscored them 14-0 en route to a 60-45 lead. Canisius came as close as 9 points with 2:20 left, but Saint Peter's closed out the frame on 6-0 run for the 66-51 victory.
Overall, the Peahens shot 39.7% from the floor and 23.5% from long distance, while the Griffs shot 35.3% and 33.3%, respectively. Saint Peter's finished with 44 boards to Canisius' 29; the twelfth time they have out-rebounded their opponent this season.
Kristal Edwards led all scorers with 16 points and added 5 assists and 7 steals, while Quiana Porter finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds. Jynae Judson and Aziza May each finished with 9 points and 3 assists in the win. Kaydine Bent also contributed 9 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals for the Peahens.
Canisius had three players in double figures; Kayla Hoohuli (15 points), Ashley Durham (13 points) and Jamie Ruttle (12 points).
Saint Peter's returns to action Friday, February 17th to wrap up a three-game homestand. Tipoff is slated for 7pm.
