JERSEY CITY, N.J. – A surging Quinnipiac invaded Yanitelli Center on Friday evening. The Bobcats (16-12, 11-6 MAAC) exited with a 77-60 victory over St. Peter’s.
A few thoughts on an impressive performance:
- Quinnipiac is surging. The win over St. Peter’s made it six of their last eight on the positive side of the ledger. The Bobcats figure to be one of the top two seeds when conference tournament play tips off in Albany on Thursday. With the MAAC wide open, Baker Dunleavy’s group has a legitimate chance of going the distance at Times Union Center.
- St. Peter’s gave a good effort. They never led; several times they fell behind by double digits. Each time, St. Peter’s responded, getting it back to a one-possession affair. The final few minutes, their offense dried up and Quinnipiac took advantage. “I think St. Peter’s is a team that plays hard,” Dunleavy praised. “They pressure you on defense. They forced us to turn the ball over (18 times). The last few minutes we continued to shoot well, but I think the final score is deceptive. This was not an easy win.”
- They do bear watching. No one expects St. Peter’s (8-21, 5-12 in the MAAC) to make a prolonged run in Albany. Regardless, teams will have to be wary and prepared. Shaheen Holloway’s club could catch someone complacent off guard and derail their title aspirations.
- Quinnipiac loves the three-pointer. They canned eight of their first 11 three-point attempts. For the game they shot 16 of 28 (57 percent) from long distance while going 8 of 14 (also 57 percent) inside the arc. “We like to shoot the three,” Dunleavy admitted. “We have the shooters and ability to knock that shot down.” Undoubtedly, as they lead the MAAC with a 40 percent mark from three in conference games.
- Close games. Dunleavy feels the conference get-together will have its share of close games in Albany. Agreed. That also bodes will for Quinnipiac as they have two overtime victories, one a triple OT affair on Siena’s home court, to their credit. “We have a young team,” Dunleavy said, “but I feel they have matured as the year progressed and learned how to win those close games.”
- Numbers. Outstanding senior Cameron Young of Quinnipiac led all scorers with 26 points. Young was 6 of 8 from long range. Jacob Rigoni added 17 (5 of 8 from three). St, Peter’s had three share scoring honors. KC Ndefo, Davauhnte Turner and Quinn Taylor had 15 points apiece. The 18 turnovers forced by St. Peter’s generated a good part of their offense, as the Peacocks enjoyed a 24-8 edge in points off turnovers.
