Saint Peter’s wins third straight, steals victory at buzzer over FDU

By Ray Floriani (@rfloriani)

TEANECK, N.J. — The 63rd meeting between Saint Peter’s and FDU came down to the last second. 

Bryce Eaton’s coast-to-coast layup swished through the net at the buzzer, sending the Peacocks to a 78-76 victory

over their in-state rival Knights, and their third straight since a November 11 loss at Rutgers.

Points of Emphasis

Series numbers are deceptive: Coming into the game, Saint Peter’s owned a 45-17 advantage in the series. In recent years, it has been anything but one-sided. The two New Jersey schools had split their last four meetings. In addition, this was the second straight meeting decided in the final possession, as FDU earned a 71-70 victory by virtue of a pair of free throws with two seconds last year.

The final play: Jo’el Emanuel converted on an FDU miss with three seconds remaining to tie the score at 76. Saint Peter’s inbounded, getting the ball into the hands of Eaton. The 6-foot guard raced down the floor, converting

a layup at the buzzer. The three officials went to the monitor to review the play and see if Eaton released the last shot before the buzzer. After a lengthy review that seemed like an eternity to both sides, the decision was made, upholding the winning bucket.

“He is an offensive talent,” Saint Peter’s coach Bashir Mason said of Eaton. “He gives us a different dynamic.” 

Eaton, a redshirt freshman, recalled that this was his first game-winning shot since he was in the sixth grade.

“We needed a bucket,” he said. “I just wanted to use my speed and get up the court and to the basket before the defense set up.”

What Brown does for FDU: Terrence Brown, a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, leads the Northeast Conference in scoring at 23.1 points per game. In addition, he is FDU’s top rebounder as well, pulling down 6.6 caroms per contest. Brown utilizes 30 percent of the Knights’ possessions while attempting 33 percent of their shots. Simply, he’s the go-to guy for head coach Jack Castleberry, and the focal point of opposing defenses.

“Watching him, you’re reminded of a Russell Westbrook with his speed and ability to go downhill,” Mason said. “I thought we did a better job of slowing him down the second half.”

Brown finished with a game-high 23 points, but was limited to seven free throws after halftime.

Stepping up: With Brown being kept fairly well in check in the second half, FDU had other contributors respond, an encouraging sign despite the setback. Bismarck Nsaih, a 6-foot-8 forward, was effective inside, scoring 13 points with a game-high 12 rebounds on the night. Tyree Barba-Bey added 11 points, hitting three 3-pointers following the break.

Strong start: Saint Peter’s came out attacking the basket in the second half. The Peacocks scored on their first four possessions en route to tying the score at 48 after connecting on four threes in the latter portion of the first half. The second half opened with the Peacocks making a concerted effort to attack the basket.

“It’s something we talked about at the half,” Mason said. “We were getting beat badly on points in the paint, so we emphasized that.” 

For the game, FDU enjoyed a 38-32 advantage on points in the paint. Saint Peter’s, though, held a 20-10 edge after halftime.

Notes: Saint Peter's was led in scoring by Eaton’s 21 points. Armoni Zeigler added 14 and Zaakir Williamson

13. In a 67-possession game the Peacocks held a 116-113 edge in offensive efficiency.

FDU shot 53 percent in the first half, but was limited to 39 percent in the final stanza. For the game, the Knights shot 46 percent while Saint Peter’s shot 51, with a 59 percent mark following halftime.

FDU opened the contest on a 10-0 run. No one on either side was surprised that this affair went on to be a hotly contested game, with seven ties and three lead changes.

“FDU is tough and physical,” Mason praised. “We had to dig down deep to get this one.”

Scoring is up for Saint Peter’s. Mason, who recently earned his 200th career win, admitted that he went out to recruit several players with the ability to get out and help put points on the board.

“But not at the expense of defense,” the coach added. “Defense is the priority.”

In these NIL and transfer portal times, we are aware of roster turnover. Mason has seven new players, as well as three new assistant coaches. Redshirt juniors Brent Bland and Mouhamed Sow are the only remaining Saint Peter’s players from the 2022 Elite Eight squad.