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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Rider
Rider Rallies Past Princeton In Women's Basketball Action
December 30, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2002
Box Score
Lawrenceville, N.J. - Sophomore Karen Bolster knocked down five first half three-point baskets as Princeton ran out to a 17 point lead at Rider on Monday night. It was Katie Hall, however, who led her team to victory as the Broncs rallied past the Tigers, winning a 95-85 shootout at Alumni Gymnasium.
The game started off at a frantic pace with both teams idle for the past nine days. Princeton used a 13-0 surge to break open a 13-13 tie in the game's first five minutes. The Tigers expanded that to a 19-2 run and with 11:17 to go in the first half, the score was 32-15.
Bolster was hot from the start, hitting her first four shots, three of which were from three-point range. She ended the period with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, but 19 team turnovers had Rider in the game at intermission. The Broncs battled back with an 18-0 run to take a 33-32 lead with 2:52 in the first half. Princeton regrouped and went into the lockeroom with a 40-36 edge.
The second half would go back-and-forth with juniors Kelly Schaeffer and Maureen McCracken stepping up on the offensive end for Princeton. Schaeffer scored 17 second half points to finish with 21 on the night.
"Karen [Bolster] made everything she touched in the first-half," says Schaeffer. "They were able to take her out of the game in the second half and that left the lane open."
McCracken had a career-high 12 points, all 12 of which she scored in the second half. Rider not only did a good job of taking away the three-pointer in the second half, it also set ablaze the three-point arc, connecting on 8-of-9 from downtown.
Hall led all scorers with 30 points, Becky Hower finished with 24 for Rider. Bolster ended the game with 23 points, senior Maureen Lane chipped in with 11. The two teams had nine combined scorers in double figures.
Princeton finished with 27 turnovers as a team and fell to 4-7 on the year. Rider improved to 6-3 and has now won three straight. The Tigers have lost three straight and both teams' streaks are season highs.
"Turnovers told the whole story tonight," says Princeton coach Richard Barron. "How can you turn the ball over 27 times and expect to win?"
The Tigers return home, where they are 3-1 on the year, and face St. Francis (NY) on Sunday, Jan. 5. Game time is slated for 3 p.m.