2022 NCAA Tournament: A look at how Saint Peter’s got to Sweet 16

The Saint Peters Peacocks reached the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. How did this team get to this historic feat?

In the regular season, the Peacocks were 19-11. They had losses to Providence, St’John’s, VCU, St.Francis, Iona (2x), Canisius, Stony Brook, Siena, and Rider. Saint Peters’ most notable win in the regular season was against Monmouth.

The Peacocks were led by KC Ndefo and Daryl Banks the third. Banks averaged 11 points per game on 38 percent shooting. Ndefo averaged 10 points on 47 percent shooting. Additionally, Doug Edert has come up huge during MAAC and NCAA tournament play.

Saint Peters got to this point by earning the MAAC Tournament auto bid. They easily beat Fairfield in the quarterfinals. In the Semifinals, they were in a close game with Quinnipiac at halftime. The Peacocks had an early 9-0 run in the second half. Saint Peters never looked back. The championship game was a rematch against Monmouth.

In the championship game, the Peacocks had a big game from Doug Edert. Edert had 20 points on 50 percent shooting. Additionally, Edert was able to draw fouls with ease in this game. The Junior was able to get to the line nine times. At halftime, the peacocks had a four-point lead. In the second half, Saint Peters took a nine-point lead after Ndefo was able to get fouled with 18 minutes left.

Monmouth was able to come back behind Walker Miller. After Miller made a layup, the Hawks were only down by two with 12 minutes left. The game stayed close the rest of the way until Edert made a key three-pointer to take a lead with less than a minute to go. On the next offensive possession, Edert made two free throws and Saint Peters advanced to the NCAA tournament.

Peacocks in the NCAA Tournament

The Peacocks would get no breaks in round one as they would face Kentucky. It seemed like Saint Peters had no chance as the Kentucky Wildcats were one of the favorites to win it all. Eyebrows were raised when Saint Peters was tied with Kentucky at halftime. More eyebrows were raised as this game was close down the stretch.

Although Saint Peters put up a good fight, it seemed like the game was over after Savior Wheeler hit a layup. Kentucky seemed like they would survive as they were up 6 with 4 minutes left. The Peacocks came back and took the lead after Doug Edert hit a three with a minute left. Kentucky responded with a three of their own. Edert came up clutch again and made a huge driving layup.

TyTy Washington missed a jumper on the other end and the game went to overtime. After Kentucky took an early lead, the Peacocks went on a 12 to 4 run the rest of the way. Banks had 27 points and Edert had 20 points respectively as Saint Peters moved on to the second round.

The Peacocks took on Murray State in the second round. The Peacocks took a five-point lead at the end of the first half. While the Racers kept it close in the second half, Saint Peters was able to keep the lead for the rest of the game. After Edert made a layup, Saint Peters led by 7 with 3 minutes to play.

While Saint Peters struggled to score the rest of the way, Murray State was not able to come back and the Peacocks advanced to the sweet sixteen. This was the first time in school history, Saint Peters had made it to the sweet sixteen.

While this Purdue team certainly is very good, the Boilermakers certainly have flaws. Purdue is not very good defensively. The Boilermakers allow 68 points per game. That is 143rd in the country. Additionally, this team runs through Ivey.

If you are able to contain Ivey, you have a chance against Purdue. If Saint Peters is able to attack Purdue defensively, they certainly have a chance to continue their Cinderella season in the elite eight.