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Welcome back to the Trentonian's Full-Court Press blog. Yes, we're still alive, and with the 2015-16 season rapidly approaching, it's time to fire up the old blog for another season. Check back here throughout the year for updates on all things Rider and Princeton, including coverage of both the MAAC and Ivy League. Feel free to drop me a line on twitter @kj_franko (https://twitter.com/kj_franko) or email kfranko@trentonian.com.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Myles keys Broncs to win over Saint Peter's

JERSEY CITY — Anthony Myles summed it up best: When Rider makes shots, it’s a tough team to beat.

Myles led the way Friday night as the Broncs poured in a season-high 13 3-pointers in a 71-53 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference victory against Saint Peter’s at the Yanitelli Center.

“That’s what we strive off of,” said the senior guard, who finished with 19 points, including making 5 of 6 from behind the arc.

Myles bounced back from a 1-for-10 performance in the first meeting between these two. Unsurprisingly, that was a Rider loss.

“It’s hard to come out every night and perform,” Myles said. “Even if my shots not going in, I can lead in other ways with defense, rebounds and being in the right place at the right time.”

His jumper was on Friday.

“Anthony has a chip on his shoulder,” head coach Kevin Baggett said. “He remembered the last game where he struggled and he was ready to go this game.”

The Broncs (11-9, 7-4) finished 13-for-24 on 3-pointers and led by as many as 25 in the second half.

They had an eight-point lead at the half and extended it throughout the second 20 minutes. A 14-0 run capped by a Shawn Valentine bucket gave them a 69-44 advantage.

That was a stark contrast from an overtime win against Monmouth when they coughed up all of an 18-point lead.

The defense held the Peacocks to 34.8 percent shooting and 7-for-24 from 3-point territory and Baggett called it the most complete defensive performance of the season.

“I talked to our guys about playing with a sense of urgency, not letting these guys to get back in,” Baggett said. “Us setting the tempo for the first four minutes — our will against their will. I thought Zedric (Sadler) and Jimmie (Taylor) really set the tone against these guys.”

Taylor finished with 12 points and Valentine added 13 off the bench. Valentine made all three of his attempts from deep.

Taylor shot 5-for-10 from the field as he tries to work through the funk he’s been in for the last five games.

“(Baggett) just wanted me to be aggressive,” said Taylor, revealing he got a text message from Baggett before the game telling him if he didn’t take 10 shots the coach would be mad. “They’ve been preaching to me all this week to be aggressive and be on the attack.”

Desi Washington led the Peacocks (7-13, 3-8) with 15 points. SPU has lost four straight since its victory against the Broncs in Lawrenceville.

Rider has two home games next week against Fairfield and Marist — both in the bottom four of the league — as the conference race tightens.

That’s not lost on the veteran Myles.

“Right now, approaching the MAAC Tournament, it’s important to come together,” he said. “We’re doing a good job playing for 40 minutes.”

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