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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Rider
Players Mentioned
Cannady Shines in Debut as Men's Hoops Wins Opener at Rider
November 13, 2015 | Men's Basketball
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Princeton at Rider Nov. 13, 2015 Lawrenceville, N.J. • Alumni Gym |
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| Box Score |
Postgame Notes |
| Photo Gallery | Postgame Video |
| Highlights |
Princeton made its first three 3-point tries, Rider missed its first eight from the field, and the Tigers got out to a 16-point lead as the first half entered its last four minutes.
Despite that auspicious start, the Princeton men's basketball team had to endure that 16-point lead slipping away before righting the ship and getting out of Alumni Gym in Lawrenceville with a 64-56 win.
Devin Cannady finished with 17 points in 23 minutes of action to lead the Tigers, becoming the first freshman to score that many points in a season opener since Douglas Davis '12 scored 25 against Central Michigan on Nov. 14, 2008.
Pete Miller had a career-high 12 rebounds and was a point away from his first career double-double. Spencer Weisz's eight assists were a career high and the most for any Tiger since T.J. Bray '14 had nine in the penultimate game of the 2013-14 season at Tulane.
Even with all five of the team's most common starters from last season back on the roster this year, the Tigers started a five that all have at least another year left, with juniors Spencer Weisz, Steven Cook, Pete Miller and Henry Caruso along with sophomore Amir Bell. Rookies Cannady and Myles Stephens saw their first collegiate action out of the four-man freshman class.
After Princeton got out to that 30-14 lead with four minutes to go in the opening half, Rider ended the period with an 8-0 run on the way to 10-0 after the break. The Broncs took their first lead at 35-34 with 16 minutes left but were never more than a bucket in front of Princeton.
Rider led 37-34 with 15-plus minutes left before Princeton took off on a 16-2 run to go up by 11 at 50-39 with eight and a half minutes to go. From there, the Broncs were never closer than five points as the Tigers closed out the win.
Princeton will have a week away from competition before returning to Dillon Gym for the first time since 1969 against Saint Peter's Saturday at 9 p.m. Fans will receive souvenir orange t-shirts to wear at the game.