Montclair, NJ (1/7/12) - 

A 9-4 run over the final five minutes helped Kean University post a narrow 66-64 victory over Montclair State University in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game Saturday afternoon at the Panzer Athletic Center.

In a game that saw 16 lead changes, Kean trailed 60-57 with 4:53 left. The Cougars, who won their seventh straight game in improving to 13-2 overall and 4-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference., scored six straight points, including four points by junior forward Kyanne Sager (Westminster, Vt./Kearsarge Regional),  to take the lead for good at 63-60 with 3:23 remaining.

Montclair State (8-6, 0-4 NJAC), which dropped its second consecutive game, made it exciting to the end. The Red Hawks closed the deficit to one point at 63-62 with 1:55 to play following a layup by sophomore guard Theresa Towns (Morristown, N.J./Morristown), one of three MSU players in double figures with 15 points.

MSU had several chances to take the lead, but came away empty. The Red Hawks had one final chance to either tie or win the game in the closing seconds. Behind 66-62 with four seconds to go, freshman forward Melissa Tobie  (Elizabeth, N.J./Roselle Catholic) was fouled attempting a three-point shot. Tobie, who topped all scorers with 19 points and tied for game-high rebounding honors with nine, made the first two of her three free throws to make the score 66-64. Tobie then deliberately missed the final free throw attempt with senior guard Jaime Ericson (Flemington, N.J./Hunterdon Central), who had 12 points and nine rebounds, grabbing the rebound for Montclair State. Unfortunately, a turnover would cost the Red Hawks their final opportunity.

Senior guard Brittanie Powell (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) led Kean with 16 points with junior backcourt mate Brittanie Payne (Willingboro, N.J./Burlington Tech) adding 13 points and a game-high six assists.

Montclair State now plays at New Jersey City University while Kean hosts The College of New Jersey Wednesday night in NJAC play.