Nov. 11, 2011

Box Score

PRINCETON, N.J. - The Saint Joseph's women's basketball team dropped its season opener, 79-62, at Princeton on Friday evening at Jadwin Gym. The Hawks got an 18-point, 10-rebound performance from redshirt sophomore forward Ashley Robinson, but it wasn't enough as SJU couldn't overcome 28 turnovers

The Tigers took control of the game early behind its defensive pressure, opening a 16-7 just over six minutes into the game. The Hawks fought back to make it a two-point game, 24-22, on a pair of free throws by redshirt sophomore forward Ashley Robinson (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Wood) with 9:00 left in the half.

Princeton, the reigning Ivy League champions, would answer though to open an 11-point lead. The Tigers used an 11-2 run over the next five minutes to take a 35-24 lead on a jumper by Kate Miller at 4:51. The Hawks would trade baskets over the remainder of the stanza as they entered the half down 40-32.

Saint Joseph's opened the second half aggressively as it cut the deficit to just four, 42-38, 2:09 in. The Hawks scored all six points in the paint and appeared to be gaining momentum as senior center Samira van Grinsven scored four of her 10 pints during that stretch.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Princeton recovered and rolled off 10-straight points to open a 52-38 lead. The Tigers would extend their lead to as many as 18, before SJU fought back.

The Hawks made it a 10-point game with under-eight minutes left, but Princeton continued to convert from the field and the foul line to close out the game.

For the game, Saint Joseph's shot 42.9 percent from the floor (21-of-49) and 76.9 percent from the foul line (20-of-26), but was held to 0-of-4 from three-point range. At the other, the Tigers shot 45.9 percent from the field (28-of-61) and 77.8 percent from the foul line (21-of-28).

Individually, Robinson added three assists and two steals to her double-double, while senior guard Michelle Baker added 12 points and two rebounds. Junior guard Ashley Prim added 10 points as the Hawks had four players score in double figures.

Kate Miller led the Tigers with 18 points, while Niveen Rasheed added 17 points and three assists.

The Hawks open the home portion of their schedule this Sunday against Lehigh. Game time is set for 2 p.m. at Hagan Arena