FDU stifles Saint Peter’s, rolls to comfortable victory

By Ray Floriani (@rfloriani)

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The coaching axiom tells us how the first three or four minutes after halftime are crucial.

FDU took that to heart, going on a 12-4 run over those initial four minutes to turn a three-possession game into a 17-point lead.

The Knights were never threatened as they posted a 57-34 victory over Saint Peter’s Wednesday, improving to 7-3. 

Points of Emphasis

Adjustments: At the halftime break, there were a few details that FDU addressed.

“We made a few defensive adjustments,” head coach Stephanie Gaitley said. “At this time with finals, the kids seem to be going in all different directions. You would rather be at home during this time.”

There was also an offensive tweak. Against the Saint Peter’s zone, the Knights had ball movement, but not player movement.

“We told them at the half, don’t stand around,” Gaitley said. “Spread out and don’t let one defender cover two players.”

Defense. That is the calling card for Gaitley. On Wednesday, that part of the game stood out.

Saint Peter’s was limited to four field goals over the last two periods, only two of which were in the paint. FDU held Saint Peter’s to a 58 offensive efficiency, the Knights’ best defensive mark to date this season. Saint Peter’s scored just 15 points over those final 20 minutes.

In its most recent win over Lafayette, FDU allowed 36 first-half points. That did not sit well with Gaitley. Obviously, her group got the message and executed extremely well on the defensive end.

Emerging: As the season progresses, two players in particular are stepping up for the Knights. Junior forward Rebecca Osei-Owusu has been a solid defender and rebounder. Lately, she’s been more comfortable on the offensive end. Osei-Owusu scored 10 points against Saint Peter’s and seems more comfortable having her number called on the offensive end.

“Rebecca really stepped up offensively today, Gaitley said. “She also had some nice defensive stops.”

Reese Downey, the reigning NEC Rookie of the Week known for her three-point shooting, has come off the bench and proven to be a solid all-around contributor.

“She hit a few shots against Monmouth and Lafayette,” Gaitley said. “Since then, she is more comfortable out there.”

Secondary scorers needed: Saint Peter’s is struggling. A part of that situation is rooted in the fact that the Peacocks only have one primary scorer, De’Naya Rippey. The sophomore forward is a proven scoring threat in the paint and outside. Rippey averages 13.4 points per game.

Next on the scoring list is Carys Roy, at 5.4 points per game. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has potential, but has a hard time finishing against more physical opponents. Another scorer or two to complement Rippey would certainly help coach Jennifer Leedham’s group. Still, there are other issues.

Saint Peter’s turnover rate is 21 percent, and the Peacocks are minus-6.6 on the backboards per game. The main problems appear to be in the shooting department, with only a 36 percent clip on two-point field goals and a 22 percent mark from beyond the arc.

To date, Saint Peter’s lone win is against Division III Lehman. MAAC play starts next weekend with a trip to Western New York to face Canisius, then Niagara. Both opponents are dealing with issues of their own, so this could be an opportunity for the Peacocks to get back on track.

Final thoughts and notes: Ava Renninger led all scorers with 15 points. Renninger also grabbed seven rebounds and handed out five assists. Kailee McDonald added 12 points for the Knights. Rippey paced Saint Peter’s with 13.

Saint Peter's won the rebounding battle, 39-38, with Roy grabbing a game-high 10 boards.

FDU posted a 93 offensive efficiency, shooting 38 percent from the field while limiting Saint Peter’s to 24 percent. The Knights also enjoyed an 18-4 edge in points off turnovers.

McDonald, the NEC Player of the Week, shot 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. So far this season, the sophomore guard is hitting at a 36 percent rate from three. Credit it to relentless hard work. At least three times a week, she shoots on her own. In each session, she hits 200 shots before finishing. On gamedays, she goes to the gym and does more shooting prior to the team shootaround. With McDonald, Renninger, Downey, Madlena Gerke and Leah Crosby all able to hit from downtown, FDU is a difficult team to defend.

Exam time means Gaitley will give the teams several days off interspersed with some lighter practices. FDU’s lone contest prior to Christmas is a home game against Ursinus on December 20.