The Stony Brook University women’s basketball team fell in a valiant effort to the visiting Princeton University Tigers on Friday, 68 to 43.
Despite an energetic crowd of over 600 fans, the Seawolves couldn’t overcome a poor second half shooting performance and eventually picked up their second loss in as many games, by a final score that failed to reflect how hard they played.
‘Great crowd,’ said Coach Michele Cherry. ‘I just wish that we could’ve given them a better game.’
Devona Allgood secured the opening tip for Princeton, and the Tigers began the game with an 8 to 2 run. Their defensive pressure forced the Seawolves into some early turnovers, trying to set a tone for the game.
But Stony Brook fought back. Behind chants of ‘Defense!’ from the crowd, the home team rallied to stay within striking distance of the lead.
But the Seawolves found themselves in the foul penalty by the midway point of the first half, saddled with early foul trouble.
By halftime, Stony Brook trailed 32-24, as Princeton picked up uncontested points at the foul line to build a slim margin.
When the second half began, the Tigers pounced right out of the gate with an 11 to 2 run. The visitors used their size to their advantage, blocking shots and disrupting the Seawolves offense.
‘Their guards are bigger, but we should use our quickness to our advantage. We didn’t,’ said Coach Cherry.
Stony Brook had sporadic, but noticeable stints in which it did use its speed to its advantage, especially on defense.
But the Seawolves had trouble scoring. Junior forward Kirsten Jeter (Elmont, NY.) was the only Stony Brook player to crack double digits, collecting 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. The junior, who is less than 350 points away from her 1,000th point, wore a facemask the entire game, the result of a broken nose some time before the season started, according to Coach Cherry.
Sophomore center Destiny Jacobs (Glen Burnie, MD.) led Stony Brook on the boards, picking up a total of ten of the team’s 42 rebounds in the game.
‘Destiny Jacobs and Jeter had a good game. I think that those two stood out more than anyone else,’ said Coach Cherry afterwards.
Playing in her first collegiate game, freshman guard Sam Landers (Springfield, VA.) also earned a mention from the coach. ‘She played well,’ said Cherry, ‘She let up a couple of turnovers, but she played well.’
However, their performances wouldn’t be enough. Princeton went on to win 68 to 43.
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