Rider 58, Saint Peter's 49: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

Jersey City, NJ ­- One of the advantages of round robin conference play is the opportunity to make preparations for the second meeting of the opponent. The prior game and opposition’s recent games are studied on tape. Adjustments are made with the first meeting as a point of reference. Finally, a game plan is developed. No trick plays on offense or defense are devised, but a change or ‘tweak’ here or there to prepare, is a priority.

On Thursday, Saint Peter's hosted Rider. It was the second go-round for the MAAC opponents. The result mirrored the first, as Rider prevailed 58-­49.

While both teams made their arborvitae adjustments and changes, the game ultimately came down to execution. In the stretch, Rider was able to get in the paint and convert. Saint Peter's could not answer. No trickery to speak of, it all came down to who would get it done at ‘crunch’ time.

In the midst of conference play, there is little time for Saint Peter's coach John Dunne to lament on this game. Take some time to review tape to point out what worked and didn’t, then quickly get ready for the next opponent Saturday, a meeting at Iona. One day of practice to prepare. The preparation process will be a bit different, as both meet for the first time in conference.

All part of the conference round robin situation.

In the first game of the night, the Saint Peter's women defeated Niagara. Here during the men's game, athletic director Joe Quinlan watches with Saint Peter's assistant Phyllis Mangina and head coach Pat Coyle:

Referee Jeff Anderson summons the teams onto the floor at the end of a timeout:

Saint Peter's coach John Dunne in an excited moment:

Rider's Anthony D'Orazio looks for an opening in the defense:

Rider huddles during a timeout:

Saint Peter's Marvin Dominique in the defensive stance on an out of bounds play:

The postgame handshake line: