Box Score FAIRFIELD, CT - Saint Peter's women's basketball defeated the Sacred Heart Pioneers on Saturday afternoon by a score of 54-44, marking their third consecutive victory as they continue their strong momentum.
The Peacocks had three players scoring in double figures. Fatmata Janneh led the way with 19 points and 18 rebounds, securing her 14th double-double of the season. Laila Grant contributed 16 points, while De'Naya Rippey added 11 to round out the scoring effort.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Peter's took control early, with sophomore Fatmata Janneh scoring on back-to-back drives to the basket. Freshman De'Naya Rippey followed with a strong drive of her own, helping the Peacocks secure an 11-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Coming out of the first-quarter break, sophomore Emily O'Connell knocked down a pull-up jumper, followed by a three-pointer from graduate student Laila Grant. Janneh added to the momentum with a shot from beyond the arc and a smooth jumper. Rippey kept the pressure on with a quick drive to the basket, while Grant remained on fire from deep, sinking another three to extend Saint Peter's lead. By halftime, the Peacocks had built a commanding 30-14 advantage.
After halftime, Sacred Heart went on a run to close the gap, but Grant responded with a deep three to keep the Peacocks in control. Janneh attacked the basket, while Grant added a smooth jumper. Grant continued her hot shooting from beyond the arc, draining another three to extend Saint Peter's lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Peacocks remained in front, 41-30.
In Saint Peter's final stretch, Janneh dominated the paint, driving to the basket for three consecutive layups, sealing a strong finish and further extending the Peacocks' lead. Grant sealed the Peacocks' victory with a clutch jumper, putting the game out of reach and ensuring their third consecutive win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Laila Grant delivered another standout performance for Saint Peter's, logging 39 minutes and scoring 16 points on an efficient 54.5% shooting (six-of-11). She remained a threat from beyond the arc, hitting four-of-seven three-pointers at a 57.1% clip.
De'Naya Rippey made her presence felt on the court, contributing 11 points in 27 minutes of action. Rippey was aggressive on the boards, grabbing eight rebounds (three offensive, five defensive), and added two assists.
Fatmata Janneh had an exceptional all-around performance, playing the full 40 minutes and finishing with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Janneh was dominant on the glass with 16 defensive rebounds and two offensive rebounds. She also contributed five assists, two blocks, and two steals, showcasing her versatility.
UP NEXT
The Peacocks return home Thursday, February 27th as they continue their MAAC campaign against Quinnipiac. This is Saint Peter's Unity and Autism Awareness game. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
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