Women's College Basketball
Princeton University 75, Rider University 55
LAWRENCEVILLE--The Rider University women's basketball team lost to Mercer County rival, undefeated Princeton University on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Gymnasium, despite a game-high 17 points from sophomore MyNeshia McKenzie (Springfield, Pa./Springfield (Delco)).
"Today was another step forward," said head coach Lynn Milligan. "Obviously Princeton is a terrific ball club and they capitalize on every mistake you make and we made too many, especially in the opening half."
The Tigers jumped out to a 16-5 lead in the first six minutes, eight points by Lauren Edwards who finished with a team-high 14 points to go along with three steals.
Rider (2-2) responded with an 8-0 run, six points by senior Ali Heller (Boca Raton, Fla./St. Andrew's) to get within 16-13 at the 12 minute mark of the opening half.
"Ali is a great shooter," Milligan said. "When she is open, she has the green light and will let it fly. She gave us a spark midway through the first half and got us back into the game."
Heller made her first four shots in the game, all from three-point range and finished with 12 points in 24 minutes off the bench.
"Princeton made some switches on Ali in the second half," Milligan said. "We probably missed her being open a few times. We needed to do a better job getting her some kick outs to get her open looks."
Leading 20-16, Princeton (6-0) went on a 17-3 run and the Tigers increased their lead to 43-21 with 1:25 left before intermission.
Princeton led 43-27 at the half.
Three field goals in a row by junior Carleigh Brown (Philadelphia, Pa./Nazareth) and a three-pointer by McKenzie brought Rider to within 12 (50-38) with 13:35 left but that was as close as Rider would get.
"We got a little gassed after the one run," Milligan said. "That led to some bad decisions and may have caused some of the turnovers late in the game. I wasn't displeased with the effort. I'm not happy we lost but the effort was good. We took steps to compete against a higher level program."
C. Brown finished with nine points, five rebounds (four offensive), two steals, a block and an assist in 16 minutes off the bench.
"Carleigh does everything you expect her to do," Milligan said. "When we didn't have Caitlin (Bopp) due to a foot injury, she knew we would have to put her at the five spot and she gave a great effort. She gave us some solid minutes today."
Also in double-digits for Princeton were Devona Allgood, Blake Dietrick and Megan Bowen who each had 10 points helping to lead the balanced Tiger attack.
"I thought we played strong and hard," Milligan said. "When you are playing at the level that they (Princeton) are playing at, if you hold one player in check, they have the depth for someone else to step up."
The Tigers out-shot Rider 45 to 39 percent and out-rebounded the Broncs 38-33.
Princeton caused 23 Bronc turnovers, leading to 26 Tiger points. Princeton had 12 steals in the game.
"We prepared for their pressure," said Milligan. "The triple-teams, we made some silly decisions and forced the ball onto the sideline a couple of times but that is part of the growth process, recognizing those situations and making better decisions starting Wednesday. But when you make a mistake against Princeton, they make you pay for it, every time."
Princeton has won 21 of the 29 meetings all-time in the series.
Rider travels to St. Francis (NY) on Wednesday at 7pm.
"We're happy with the process and the way we've started the season," Milligan said. "We have a busy week coming up with Wednesday night, Sunday (at Georgetown) and Tuesday (against Stony Brook). We've been fortunate to have some time between games early on to practice and work some things out and now we have to hit the road for two tough games and see how we react. This is a big week coming up for us."
-RU-
