(Photo by Andee Fagan - JSN)

Princeton women's basketball improves to 3-1 after win over Fordham

Princeton women's basketball hosted Fordham University on Wednesday as both teams were looking to move to 3-1 on the season. The game had many lead changes in the back-and-forth matchup, but the Tigers pulled out a 70-67 win at Jadwin Gymnasium. Fordham had an opportunity to win but couldn't covert on Princeton's 18 turnovers, which kept the game close.

Princeton jumped to a fast start, with Julia Cunningham getting early buckets against Fordham. The first quarter was about defense, as Princeton only allowed 11 points and both teams combined for 27 points. Princeton held Fordham to 23 percent shooting, which was huge enough to set the game's tone.

In the second quarter, Fordham started to put pressure on Princeton's defense as they got better looks at the basket, with Kaitlyn Downey heating up for the Rams. Fordham had three players in double figures as Downey finished with a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Meghan Jonassen scored 17 points and Asiah Dingle added 13 points.

The Tigers was leading Fordham 39-33 at halftime as both teams tried to devise game plans for the second half. Downey and Princeton's Kaitlyn Chen (19 points) were trading baskets at one point in the game. Fordham made it interesting in the second half by taking the lead, but their defense had trouble holding it against Princeton's high-powered offense.

The Tigers got big rebounds and critical blocks late in the game, but they need to improve on reducing turnovers. Princeton could have been up by more if their turnovers were cut in half. Fordham's defense gave up a total of 31 points as Princeton gave up 34 in the second half.

Princeton had four players in double figures, with the player of the game being Grace Stone, who finished with 19 points and four rebounds. Ellie Mitchell picked up a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Julia Cunningham finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists.

"Her usual," said Princeton head coach Clara Berube on Mitchell's performance. "Yeah I can't say enough about what she is bringing day in and day out. Another player with a motor that just doesn't quit. She was making huge shots."

"That was a really greedy team win," said Chen after the game. "I mean it's not pretty, a lot of turnovers but were able to really pull together when it mattered and it was just a great team effort."

What's Up Next For Princeton

The Tigers will look to continue their strong to the season as they start a six-game road trip against Buffalo on Saturday.