NIAGARA,NY - The Saint Peter's women's basketball team secured a 70-58 victory over Niagara on Thursday night, fueled by a well-rounded offensive effort.
Three Peacocks scored in double figures, with Nikola Zdenkova leading the squad with a career-high 27 points. Linda Amaning also set a career-high with 20 points in the win, while Fatmata Janneh dominated both ends of the floor, posting 13 points and 14 rebounds to notch her 17th double-double of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Peacocks wasted no time seizing momentum, jumping out to an early 9-0 lead against the Purple Eagles. Zdenkova set the tone, draining a three-pointer before immediately snatching a steal and sinking a smooth jumper. Saint Peter's stayed hot from beyond the arc, with Zdenkova and graduate guard Laila Grant knocking down back-to-back threes. Zdenkova capped off a stellar first quarter with 13 points, helping the Peacocks take a 20-13 lead into the break.
Zdenkova carried her first-quarter momentum into the second, remaining lethal from beyond the arc. Amaning powered inside for back-to-back layups, followed by a strong finish at the rim from Janneh. Graduate student Maya Hyacienth added to the offensive surge with a three-pointer, while Zdenkova capped off an impressive first half with a smooth jumper. Dominating efficiency, Zdenkova shot a scorching seven-of-eight from the field, including a perfect four-for-four from deep. At halftime, Saint Peter's held a 37-26 advantage.
Saint Peter's kept the pressure on in the third quarter, with Zdenkova opening the frame with a three-pointer. Janneh attacked the rim with confidence, following up with a smooth jumper before Zdenkova struck again from beyond the arc. Janneh continued to dominate inside, while Amaning capitalized on a second-chance opportunity with a tip-in. The Peacocks maintained control, heading into the final quarter with a 53-43 lead.
Entering the fourth quarter, Amaning continued to attack the rim, while Zdenkova stayed locked in from beyond the arc. Freshman De'Naya Rippey added to the offensive push with a strong drive to the basket, followed by layups from Amaning and Janneh. Amaning sealed the victory with another drive to the hoop, securing Saint Peter's 70-58 win over Niagara.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Zdenkova delivered a season-best performance in Saint Peter's 70-58 victory over Niagara, erupting for a career-high 27 points. She was nearly unstoppable, shooting an efficient 66.7% (10-of-15) from the field and lighting up the Purple Eagles from beyond the arc with a red-hot seven-of-11 (63.6%) from three-point range.
Amaning scored 20 points in just 26 minutes securing her career-high. She shoot an impressive 69.2% (nine-of-13) from the field. Amaning dominated the glass, grabbing six rebounds, including five on the offensive end, creating second-chance opportunities for the Peacocks. She also contributed defensively with a block and a steal while adding one assist.
Janneh secured her 17th double-double of the season. She delivered a well-rounded performance with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists while shooting an efficient 55.6% (five-of-nine) from the field. Janneh dominated the glass, securing 12 defensive rebounds and two on the offensive end, while also making a strong defensive impact with three steals and a block.
UP NEXT
The Peacocks will wrap up their regular MAAC campaign on Saturday against Canisius, with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m. Fans can tune in live on ESPN+ to catch all the action.
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