JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Just call it another typical day in the MAAC. Seven ties and six lead changes later, Canisius emerged victorious over Saint Peter’s. The 64-60 triumph Sunday at Yanitelli Center put the visiting Griffs at 11-13 (8-4 in conference), while Saint Peter’s fell to 6-17 and 3-8 in MAAC play.
The points of emphasis:
1. Extending the defense. The first half Saint Peter’s was able to push the ball, igniting the break or getting a good look in early offense. Canisius coach Reggie Weatherspoon made a halftime adjustment. The Griffs came out showing some halfcourt traps and generally picked up the guards a dribble or two over half court. “We dictated the first half but that (adjustment) slowed us down, “ Saint Peter’s coach Shaheen Holloway admitted. “We were forced to use more clock each possession and many times settled for a shot we shouldn’t have taken.”
2. A positive. Devauhnte Turner, Saint Peter’s leading scorer at 17 points per game, struggled through an eight-point performance (2 of 8 from the floor). In his absence, Derrick Woods stepped up. The 6’8” junior scored a team-high 14 points while pulling down six boards. Woods shared game rebounding honors with teammate Samuel Idowu. Woods’ contributions were instrumental in keeping the Peacocks in the thick of things as Turner struggled. Continued efforts similar to Sunday’s by Woods is essential as Saint Peter’s needs a consistent option to complement Turner.
3. Poise on the road. Canisius committed three turnover the first four minutes and trailed 9-2 at the first media time out. They did not panic and regrouped. At the half the score was knotted at 32. Given their start one had to assume the visitors had momentum heading into the locker room at halftime.
4. Threes and caring for the ball. Canisius shot 9 of 24 (38 percent) from deep for the game. The second half was the more damaging to Saint Peter’s defense, as Canisius hit 6 of 13 for a 46 percent rate. The Griffs hit four during one stretch that allowed them to open a ten-point lead late in the game. After that turnover-laden start, Canisius committed one more the first half and a total nine for the game.
5. The leaders: Takal Molson of Canisius paced all scorers with 21. Woods led Saint Peter’s, as noted, hitting for 14. Malik Johnson, Canisius point guard, handed out a game-high eight assists against two turnovers in 40 minutes.
6. Another tough loss. For Saint Peter’s, mired in a five-game skid, five of the eight conference losses this season were decided by three or less possessions. “We have to get through this and find a way to win,” Holloway said. “We came out with good energy today, and all through these close losses our kids have continued to work hard. No one has their head down. It’s on me as a coach to figure things out because these guys are continuing to work hard.”
