Finnerty, Siena run by Saint Peter's in women's basketball win

Woman in dark green shirt speaking to reporters — PHOTOGRAPHER: Stan Hudy

Siena women's basketball freshman Teresa Seppala.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Siena’s youth rose to the occasion once again Thursday, as the Saints, with six of their eight available players being freshmen, topped Saint Peter’s 72-48 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball game.

Siena (8-4 MAAC, 14-8 overall) put four players in double figures, led by the breakout performance of freshman Hannah Finnerty. The 6-footer from Woodside had only played in six games and scored seven points before Thursday, but she came off the bench to score 18 points. She had 13 in the first half, on 5-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-3 on 3-pointers.

“She shot the ball fantastic,” Siena coach Jim Jabir said of Finnerty in a Twitter video posted by Siena.

The Saints extended their lead to 40-27 by halftime and 56-40 after three quarters.

Teresa Seppala also scored 18 for Siena, to go along with eight rebounds. Anajah Brown just missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds, while London Gamble also scored 10. Elisa Mevius did a bit of everything, with five points, seven steals, five assists and four rebounds.

The Saints outrebounded Saint Peter’s 40-34 and assisted 17 of their 28 field goals.They also forced the Peahens into 31 turnovers.

“I’m happy with most of what we saw tonight,” Jabir added.

Siena travels to Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday.