Box Score JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Saint Peter's comeback bid fell short on Saturday as the team was defeated by Rider, 56-55.
The Peacocks went on a furious run in the second half to bring the lead within one point.
Kaydine Bent (Bronx, N.Y./Harry S. Truman) put together a strong performance, notching 19 points and 15 rebounds. Hala Mostafa (Cairo, Egypt/Modern Narmer Language School) recorded 15 points for the Peacocks.
Saint Peter's kicked off the game with a quick 8-4 run to take an early lead. The Broncs countered with a 7-0 run to take an 11-8 advantage.
The Peacocks answered with a jumper from Antonia Smith (Bronx, N.Y./Dwight School) to cut the deficit to one point. Rider responded with a field goal from MyNeisha McKenzie to take extend the lead. A free throw from Teresa Corchado (Willingboro, N.J./Camden Catholic) trimmed the Rider lead.
With Rider out in front 13-11, the Broncs scored six consecutive points to take a 19-11 lead. Saint Peter's responded with a 3-point play from Bent to cut the deficit. Rider countered with five straight points, fueled by a 3-ball from Mikal Johnson to extend the lead. The Peacocks answered with a layup from Bent to cut the lead to single digits. Rider ended the half making four free throws to take a 29-16 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, the Broncs open up with five straight points, fueled by a basket and assist from Manon Pellet to take a 33-16 advantage. Saint Peter's countered with five straight points from Mostafa to cut the deficit. Rider answered with a layup from Pellet to maintain a 37-21 lead.
The Peacocks responded with three straight points to cut the Rider lead. Rider countered with two straight baskets to hold a 41-25 lead.
Saint Peter's began its comeback, going on a 17-5 run, capped off by a layup from Aziza May (South Euclid, Ohio/Charles F. Brush) to cut the deficit, 46-42. Following a Rider free throw, McKenzie hit a field goal to extend the Rider lead. The Peacocks responded with a 3-pointer from Mostafa to cut the deficit to four.
McKenzie continued to be the go-to for Rider, scoring four straight points to give Rider a 53-45 advantage. Saint Peter's did not go away, as May converted a traditional 3-point play to cut the Rider lead. Following a free throw from McKenzie, Mostafa drilled another 3-pointer to cut the deficit to one possession.
Next possession for Rider, McKenzie was sent to the line where she made both free throws. Following a Saint Peter's timeout, the Peacocks threw the ball down low to Bent, who finished with a layup to cut the deficit to three.
Following a Rider turnover, Bent was able to make another basket off a pass from Mostafa to cut the deficit to one point with 35 seconds left. On the inbound, Rider drew out the clock. With the shot clock winding down, the Broncs heaved up a shot but managed to grab the offensive board to hold on for a 56-55 victory.
May finished with 11 points and six rebounds for Saint Peter's. Smith registered five rebounds and three assists to go with four points.
McKenzie anchored the Broncs' scoring with 23 points to go with 10 rebounds. LaShay Banks and Marritta Gillcrease finished with six points each.
With the loss, Saint Peter's falls to 3-14 overall and 2-6 in conference play. Rider improves to 8-9 overall and earn its fourth conference victory of the season.
Saint Peter's returns to action Jan. 23, when it travels to New York to take on Marist.
