Saint Joseph’s Set to Face Penn State: An Exciting Matchup of Unbeaten Teams
On Sunday, November 16, at 2 p.m. ET, the Saint Joseph’s women’s basketball team will take on Penn State in a high-stakes game at Hagan Arena, Philadelphia. Both teams enter this contest with flawless 3-0 records, making it an intriguing match-up.
Historical Context
This contest marks the 33rd meeting between the two programs. Historically, Penn State has an advantage, leading the series with 23 wins to Saint Joseph’s 9. The Nittany Lions have won the last 12 encounters, adding pressure on the Hawks as they attempt to break this streak. The teams previously competed as conference rivals in the Atlantic 10 from 1982 to 1991.
Game Details
- Matchup: Saint Joseph’s vs. Penn State
- Date: Sunday, November 16
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena, Philadelphia, PA
- Broadcast: ESPN+ (Commentators: Mike Samsel, Renie Shields)
Recent Performance
Saint Joseph’s opened their season with a 70-65 victory over Cincinnati, strengthening their record to 3-0 for the fourth consecutive year. Notably, the Hawks have achieved a remarkable 20-1 record in November games since the beginning of the 2022-2023 season. Aleah Snead played a standout role in the recent match, scoring 19 points with an impressive shooting percentage of 87.5% (7-of-8).
Key Players
Freshman Emily Knouse made a significant impact in the game against Cincinnati, contributing 17 points, including five three-pointers. Her performance ties her for the third-most three-pointers made in a game by a freshman in the program’s history. Other key contributors included Gabby Casey and Faith Stinson, each scoring 10 points.
Team Composition
Saint Joseph’s is adapting to the loss of four starters from the previous season. Gabby Casey is the only returning player with significant starting experience, having started seven games last year. The team showcases a diverse roster with 15 players from four states and various countries, such as Lebanon and Australia. This season, they welcomed eight newcomers, consisting of four transfers and four freshmen.
Statistical Highlights
Saint Joseph’s assists are noteworthy, as they rank second nationally with an 80.6% assist rate, having assisted on 58 of 72 field goals in their first three games. This ability to share the ball could prove vital in their upcoming matchup against Penn State.
Looking Ahead
As the Hawks prepare for this crucial game, they will look to continue their trend of winning against Power Five opponents. With the overarching goal of turning around their historical series with Penn State, this match is expected to be a highly competitive affair.
