Pirates cruise past Bryant in season opener

Tony Bozzella (Left) and Tabitha Richardson-Smith (Right) SHU Athletics

The Seton Hall women’s basketball team kicked off their 2015-16 season in dominating fashion as they beat Bryant 93-57 inside historic Walsh Gymnasium on Friday afternoon.

The Pirates were led by Tabitha Richardson-Smith who led all scorers with 25 points. Along with Richardson-Smith, Shakena Richardson scored 17 and Aleesha Powell and Tiffany Jones added 14 and 13 respectively. The Hall shot 50 percent from the field and hit 11 3-pointers in the win.

The new-look starting backcourt of Powell and Richardson, each making their Seton Hall debut, combined for 31 points, nine assists and seven steals.

The Pirates capitalized on 25 Bryant turnovers outscoring Bryant 38-5 in points off turnovers. The Blue and White got off to a blistering start scoring 39 first quarter points thanks to a 13-for-19 start from the floor.

The Pirates led by 30 at the half after hitting seven of their first 10 three point attempts. Ivory Bailey led the way for Bryant with 21 points and Breanna Rucker had seven points and 12 rebounds.

“I thought we came out with a lot of energy, and more importantly had a lot of poise with that energy,” Seton Hall Head Coach Tony Bozzella said. “Tiffany Jones was really our MVP today for the job she did on Breanna Rucker, holding her to [2-7] shooting.”

The 36-point victory margin was the highest in three seasons under Bozzella and the best since an 82-35 victory over New Orleans on Dec. 19, 2012.

The Pirates will continue an early-season home stretch when they welcome in-state rival Rutgers to Walsh Gymnasium on Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. The 2015 NCAA Tournament and 2014 WNIT Sweet 16 re-match will air on FS2.