WBB: Hall drops conference game in Queens

USA Today

The Seton Hall women’s basketball team erased a 14-point halftime deficit but could never pull ahead late in a 71-69 setback at St. John’s on Saturday afternoon at Carnesecca Arena.

The Pirates were led by senior guard Tabatha Richardson-Smith who had a season-high 34 points. Richardson-Smith’s 34 marked a new season-high and the senior added seven rebounds and three steals. Danaejah Grant powered St. John’s with 29 points and 13 rebounds including a late basket to help hold off The Hall’s charge.

Shakena Richardson added 15 for The Hall and Lubirdia Gordon chipped in 10 points, six rebounds and five blocks. Tiffany Jones led the Pirates with 12 rebounds.

After going to the first quarter tied at 19-19, St. John’s used a 24-10 scoring run in the second frame to take a 14-point advantage to halftime. The Hall stormed back with a 16-2 run to open the third quarter and pulled within a single possession multiple times in the fourth quarter, but was unable to ever take a second-half lead. The Pirates held the Red Storm to 28 points on 31.0 percent shooting in the second half, including a seven-point third quarter.

After Richardson-Smith knocked down her fourth 3-pointer to cut the St. John’s lead to one, Grant was able to bank one home inside of a minute to put SJU right back up three. The Hall was unable to pull even the rest of the way and Richardson’s game-winner attempt as time expired hit the front rim.

The Pirates continue a three-game road swing with a trip to Villanova on Friday, Jan. 15. Tip-off from The Pavilion is set for 7 p.m.