Lashae Dwyer scored 16 in her team debut, while the Red Storm forced 27 turnovers in a defensive clinic
The St. John’s women’s basketball team tipped off their season with a suffocating defensive clinic, routing the Saint Peter’s Peacocks by a score of 80-39 in their home opener on Monday afternoon. The Red Storm’s 41-point win was their largest since November 25, 2007.
Unlike previous teams that would grind out the clock and attempt to stop opposing teams in the halfcourt, the Red Storm applied heavy ball pressure and matchup zone defense from the onset of today’s game. The Peacocks survived the first wave, but began cracking late in the first quarter before crumbling apart in the second.
After leading by 15-13 with about three minutes remaining, the Red Storm smothered the Peacocks on an extended 26-0 run that spanned until the late stages of the second quarter.
Saint Peter’s only scored three points in the second quarter, all off free throws. They gave up more turnovers (13) than they attempted shots (5). In total, Saint Peter’s coughed up 27 turnovers, with only 12 coming off St. John’s steals.
The transfers made the difference in the opening day drubbing.
Miami transfer Lashae Dwyer was a two-way machine in her Red Storm debut, scoring 16 points (7-of-11 shooting, 2-of-4 from three) and forcing a team-high four steals.
Ariana Vanderhoop scored 14 points off the bench, nailing a career-high four threes. Kylie Lavelle also chipped in 10 points (4-of-5 shooting).
Even though St. John’s took their foot off the gas pedal in the fourth quarter, they still shot 54.1% from the field and 42% from three (9-of-21) over the course of Monday’s game.
The Red Storm (1-0) will be back in action again this Friday, November 8 against LIU (6 p.m., FloSports).