The Saint Peter’s University women’s basketball team wrapped up their non-conference schedule with a tough 57–34 loss to Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). The result shows the team’s potential, but also how much work remains as they get ready for the heart of MAAC play.
The Peacocks showed early promise. Offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses ended up costing them in this final tune-up before conference action.
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Peacocks Falter Late in Final Non-Conference Test
Non-conference games are kind of like a laboratory for college basketball. You get to experiment, mess up, and hopefully learn something along the way.
For Saint Peter’s, this matchup with FDU did just that. They started with energy and purpose, but as the game went on, frustration crept in on both ends of the floor.
Strong Start, but Offense Stalls
Saint Peter’s came out with a plan, matching FDU possession for possession early. But the Peacocks couldn’t keep their offensive flow going.
Shots that dropped in the first few minutes stopped falling. The team’s spacing and ball movement got choppy as FDU tightened up on defense.
The numbers back it up. FDU shot 37.5% from the field while Saint Peter’s finished at 34%.
That gap might look small, but over four quarters it meant empty trips and missed chances. The Peacocks just couldn’t climb back in.
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De’Naya Rippey Leads the Charge
Even with the offense sputtering, one bright spot stood out. De’Naya Rippey led the Peacocks again, finishing with 13 points and 7 rebounds.
She attacked the glass, created her own shot, and competed hard on both ends. That’s the kind of tone-setter this team needs.
When the offense stalls, players like Rippey can break the drought and spark some momentum. As conference play begins, finding her some help on the scoring front will matter a lot.
Lessons from a Challenging Non-Conference Slate
Saint Peter’s non-conference journey has been more about finding weaknesses and building a foundation than the win-loss column. This loss to FDU made it clear: offensive consistency and defensive aggression need work.
Scoring Woes and Defensive Adjustments
The Peacocks still struggle to keep their offense going. Stretches of stagnant ball movement, missed open shots, and tough finishes at the rim have made it hard to stay in games for all four quarters.
The coaching staff will probably focus on tightening up offensive sets and pushing for better shot selection. More aggressive drives to the basket wouldn’t hurt either.
Defensively, it’s about intensity and talking to each other. When the Peacocks crank up the pressure and stay connected, they can disrupt opponents.
But when that energy dips, gaps open up and opponents get easier looks. Locking in on defense will be huge as MAAC play starts.
All Eyes on Canisius and Niagara
December 19 is circled now—Saint Peter’s opens conference play against Canisius, then faces Niagara. These aren’t just games; they’re a test of how much the team has grown from its non-conference struggles.
Expect the Peacocks to focus on:
What This Means for Jersey City and the Local Hoops Community
For Jersey City, Saint Peter’s women’s basketball is more than just a college team—it’s woven into the city’s athletic heartbeat. The ups and downs of this season are shared by students, alumni, and fans who fill the gym and check the scores.
As MAAC play begins, the Peacocks’ progress will spark plenty of pride and conversation across neighborhoods and city districts alike.
Making a Game Day Out of It in Jersey City
If you’re in town for a Saint Peter’s game, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Jersey City. The city offers waterfront views of Manhattan, a lively restaurant scene, and some truly interesting cultural spots.
A Peacocks home game can kick off a whole day’s adventure. Jersey City hotels nearby make it easy to get to campus and wander around downtown, so it’s pretty simple to stretch a single game into a whole weekend.
Not sure where to stay in Jersey City? Check out places along the waterfront or near Journal Square. Both spots put you close to Saint Peter’s and make transit a breeze.
Getting here isn’t tough either. PATH trains, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, ferries, and the main highways all connect Jersey City with the rest of the region.
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Here is the source article for this story: Peacocks Defeated In Final Non Conference Battle With FDU
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