Seton Hall Beats No. 24 Princeton

(Photo by John Jones – Double G Media)

The Seton Hall women’s basketball team defeated No. 24 Princeton University 71-64 on Thursday night inside historic Walsh Gymnasium.

The Hall’s duo of seniors Tabatha Richardson-Smith, and Tiffany Jones was on display again. Richardson-Smith led the way with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jones had 14 points and 6 rebounds.

Shakena Richardson and Aleesha Powell had 12 and 11 points respectively. Richardson also tallied seven assists for the Pirates.

The Hall once again jumped out fast, taking a 20-12 lead after a quarter and a 39-28 advantage to halftime. The Tigers pulled as close as four in the second half thanks to runs of 9-0 and 11-0, but the Pirates did not trail and made crucial free throws down the stretch to seal the seven-point victory.

Seton Hall head coach Tony Bozzella was happy with the physicality his team showed.

“I thought that was one of the most physical, hard-fought games we’ve played in a long time. I’m proud of the way we found a way to beat a really, really good team.”

Princeton used an 11-0 run to pull within five at 59-54 with less than four minutes to play, before two key plays from Richardson. The graduate point guard found Lubirdia Gordon in the low block for a lay-in to go up seven, and on the next position drove to the basket herself and connected to put The Hall up 63-54. The Tigers were not able to get closer than six the rest of the way.

Jones, Powell, Richardson-Smith and Richardson have all scored in double-figures in each of Seton Hall’s three games this season.  Jones’ defensive effort helped to hold PU’s Annie Tarakchian, who came in averaging 19.5 points per game, to three points on 1-for-11 shooting.

Following yet another statement win, the Pirates hit the road for the first time in conference play on Saturday, Nov. 21 with a trip to Saint Joseph’s. The Hall defeated the Hawks 77-60 in November last season.