UNION, N.J. (1/16/13) – Senior Erika Jones scored a career-high 44 points, breaking a Kean single-game record in the process, but it wasn't enough as Richard Stockton defeated the Kean University women's basketball team, 82-76.

Jones' 44 points broke the single-game mark of 43 points, set by Merry Beth Jones on February 23, 1989 versus Jersey City. Jones set the mark with just five seconds remaining in the contest on a layup.  She also contributed 18 rebounds, to pace three Cougars (3-12) with double-digit rebounds. Jones has recorded six straight double-doubles.  Sophomore Meghan Williams added 12 points in the loss.  Sophomore Alex Nardoza led Stockton (9-5) with a team-high 24 points and seven assists.

The Ospreys jumped out to an early 11 point just five minutes into the opening stanza. Nardoza and senior Che'na Thompson each scored four points during the opening run. The Cougars battled back to take a three point lead with 12:21 remaining, culminating with a layup by Jones. Stockton ended the half on a 13-3 run, stretching their lead to 14 going into halftime. Nardoza finished the half with 12 points and four assists, while sophomore Jennifer Galamb came off the bench with 10 points. Jones finished the first half with 20 points and six rebounds, while sophomore AnnaRose Pierre chipped in with seven rebounds.

The Ospreys scored six of the first eight points of the second half, stretching their lead to 18. However, the Cougars slowly began chipping away at the lead. Down 11 with just under three minutes to go, Kean rallied and closed the gap to just three as Williams recorded consecutive free throws (77-74).  With a chance to tie the game, the Ospreys forced a pivotal turnover, and senior Alexa Ryan connected on a layup extending the lead to five. Nardoza clinched the game by nailing three key free throws in the final 18 seconds, sealing the win for the Ospreys.

Senior Kyanne Sager chipped in with 17 rebounds and Pierre added 10 boards to help pace the Cougars.  Williams registered 12 points.  Sophomore Sara Farrell and freshman Ta'Yon Morgan-Jones each tallied a double-double for the Ospreys as Farrell recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds and Morgan-Jones tallied 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Cougars return to action Saturday, January 19 as they travel to Ewing to face The College of New Jersey at 1 p.m.  The Ospreys stay on the road and face William Paterson also on Saturday at 3 p.m.