JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The Saint Peter's Men's Basketball team (17-13, 12-8 MAAC) advanced to the semifinal round of the MAAC Tournament Thursday night. The Peacocks defeated the Rider Broncs 50-48. This is the second consecutive year Saint Peter's has knocked out Rider from the MAAC Quarterfinals. The Peacocks snapped the Broncs seven-game win streak.
The No. 5 seed Saint Peter's Peacocks will play No. 1 Quinnipiac Friday in the MAAC Semifinals at 6:30 PM.
Michael Houge produced a career-high 20 points with eight rebounds and two blocks. Marcus Randolph scored 10 points with three rebounds, one assist, and one block. Randolph shot an efficient 3-5 from beyond the arc.
Mouhamed Sow was active on the glass with 10 rebounds. It's the second game this season Sow has grabbed 10 boards. Additionally, Sow had four blocks.
The Peacocks held Rider to a season-low 48 points. Mervin James led the Broncs with 17 points.
Saint Peter's defense stood tall in the final minute of the game. SPU's ninth block of the game from Houge prevented the Broncs from scoring in the game's final moments. After a free throw from Latrell Reid, Rider heaved one last shot that missed, and SPU won 50-48.
How it happened
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In the first half, the Broncs shot 8-30 from the field. Houge led the Peacocks with 12 points in the first half.
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The Peacocks were active at the rim. Saint Peter's blocked nine shots in the game.
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SPU led 12-10 after Sow blocked a shot at the rim and Corey Washington scored a layup on the other end. The Peacocks extended their advantage after a 9-0 run. Randolph knocked down his second three-pointer and the Peacocks led 21-10.
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Houge scored the last six points for SPU in the first half, and the Peacocks led 27-18 at halftime.
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Houge continued his scoring in the second half. The Peacocks were up as much as 14.
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SPU experienced a drought and the Broncs closed the gap.
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At 7:23, A three-pointer from Rider 35 Weeks Junior cut Rider's deficit to six. Rider trailed 40-34 with 6:00 left in the game.
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Both teams exchanged baskets down the wire. Roy Clarke drove to the basket and scored a layup followed by a putback dunk from Rider's Mervin James.
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In the final two minutes of the game, free throws from Houge and James put the score at 49-48.
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Rider had a late possession with six seconds left. Houge came through and blocked the Broncs shot, and the ball went off Rider.
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Down 50-48, Rider heaved up one last shot and came up short.
Inside The Numbers
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The Peacocks were active at the rim. Saint Peter's blocked nine shots in the game.
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SPU outrebounded Rider 47-34.
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SPU's defense held Rider to a season-low 48 points.
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Saint Peter's defeated Rider in the Quarterfinal round for the second consecutive year.
The Peacocks now turn their attention to the Semifinal round. No. 5 Saint Peter's takes on No. 1 Quinnipiac tomorrow at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall At 6:30 PM.
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