JERSEY CITY, NJ- Saint Peter's women's basketball team defeated Sacred Heart by a score of 56-53 on Saturday Afternoon.
The Peacocks had three players who came in double-figures, Laila Grant tacked on 15 points, Nikola Zdenkova secured 10 points and Fatmata Janneh contributed 16 points to the squad.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Peacocks jumped to a quick 2-0 lead as the Pioneers struggled offensively. Freshman Linda Amaning quickly tacked on a layup, while graduate Laila Grant knocked down a three-pointer. Redshirt sophomore Nikola Zdenkova drove to the basket, while Laila Grant secured a steal and executed a fast break, helping the Peacocks take an early lead. Junior Louella Allana and Grant knocked down back-to-back three pointers. Zdenkova capped off the first quarter with a three-pointer, extending the lead to 19-7.
Out of the first quarter break, freshman De'Naya Rippey shot beyond the arc. The Peacocks held the Pioneers scoreless for over two minutes. Sophomore Fatmata Janneh intercepted the ball, setting up Laila Grant for a smooth layup. Over the next couple of minutes, Saint Peter's extended its lead, Saint Peter's closed the first half with a lead of 31-18. Closing out the first half, Nikola Zdenkova shot 2-of-4 from the floor, as Laila Grant shot 66.6% from the floor.
After the first half, Laila Grant extended the Peacocks lead with a clutch three-pointer. At 8:22, Fatmata Janneh nailed a three-pointer, increasing her total to 6 points, with Louella Allana contributing her fifth assist of the game. Janneh added to the momentum with back-to-back layups. The Peacocks continued to build on their lead, closing out the third quarter with a 42-37 advantage.
In the final stretch, the Peacocks demonstrated determination to hold onto their lead against Sacred Heart. Janneh added a jumper, assisted by Zdenkova, extending her contribution to 14 points. Key free throws by De'Naya Rippey and Fatmata Janneh in the closing moments sealed the game, allowing the Peacocks to emerge victorious in a hard-fought battle.Fatmata Janneh continued to dominate on defense, grabbing a critical defensive rebound, which set the stage for Nikola Zdenkova's clutch three-pointer, pushing the Peacocks to a 50-48 lead.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Laila Grant delivered a standout performance for Saint Peter's, showcasing her versatility and efficiency on both ends of the court. She logged 33 minutes of play, shooting an impressive 50% from the field (6-for-12), including a solid 42.9% from beyond the arc (3-for-7). Grant contributed 15 points to the Peacocks' offense while adding one rebound, one assist, and four crucial steals.
Nikola Zdenkova played 34 minutes for Saint Peter's, contributing 10 points with impressive shooting efficiency. She went 3-for-6 from the field (50%) and 2-for-5 from beyond the arc (40%). Zdenkova also made both of her free throw attempts, finishing with a perfect 100% from the line.
Fatmata Janneh played a pivotal role for Saint Peter's, logging 37 minutes on the court and posting a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. She shot 50% from the field (5-for-10) and 50% from three-point range (1-for-2). Janneh also went 5-for-6 from the free-throw line, finishing at 83.3%.
Louella Allana contributed seven assists to the squad.
UP NEXT
The Peacocks continue their conference play as they travel to Merrimack.. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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