Marist College One Step Closer To NCAA Automatic Bid

Friday, 04 March 2011 22:14

By Geri Falzon (Photo: S. Grieco/NYSB)

St. Peter’s women’s basketball team was no match for top-seeded Marist, as the Red Foxes easily moved into the semi-finals of the MAAC Tournament coasting to a 61-33 win at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.

From the tip, the Red Foxes took command at both ends of the court with aggressive offense and tenacious defense. St. Peter’s turned the ball over twenty-one times, shot 23.2% from the field and 16.7% from 3-point range while being controlled on the glass by a 47-38 margin.

“It’s a good way to start off the tournament,” said Marist head coach Brian Giorgis. “I think we rushed a lot of things today but St. Peter’s can make you do that the way they play defense.”

The Red Foxes (28-2) got off to a slow start shooting 36.4% in the first half and finishing the game at only 33.9%, but Marist simply had too many weapons for the Peahens to counter both offensively and defensively.

“When you play people a third time our defense has to be solid,” said Giorgis. “I thought it was as solid as it could be today.”

MAAC Player-of-the-Year Erica Allenspach led the way for the Red Foxes. The 5’8” senior guard poured in 16 points in only twenty-five minutes played. On a near-perfect night, the Miamisburg, Ohio, native shot 6-7 from the field and 4-4 from the charity stripe.

“Erica showed why she is the player of the year with the first half that she had,” remarked Giorgis.

The Marist starting five were able to play minimal minutes in the lopsided win, giving the MAAC regular-season undefeated Red Foxes yet another weapon as they move through the tournament.

“It’s a great win because we got to rest people,” said Giorgis. “Hopefully we’re fresh and ready to go tomorrow.