WAYNE, N.J. – An early second-half run helped propel the William Paterson women's basketball team (5-2, 3-0 NJAC) to a 78-70 conference victory against New Jersey City (3-3, 0-3 NJAC) Dec. 3. Sophomore forward Maya Harris (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) led all players with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Seven ties and four lead changes marked a first half that ended with WP clinging to a 39-37 advantage. The Pioneers opened the second period with an 18-7 run to build a 57-44 edge at the 10:46 mark, and led by as many as 14 (71-57, 2:35) before the Gothic Knights began to rally, getting as close as 74-70 with 20 seconds left. But, junior guard Brittany Harden (Millville, N.J./Sacred Heart) and Harris each went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line during the final seconds for a final eight-point victory.

Harris was 7-for-12 (.583) from the field, adding a pair of steals, and freshman guard Jackie Rodriguez (Sayreville, N.J./Sayreville War Memorial) posted 15 tallies and four steals. Senior forward Ashley Marfo (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) finished with 13 points, six rebounds and a team-best four assists, Harden had 10 tallies and freshman guard Julie Rovito (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) was credited with eight steals.

Sophomore forward Bria Smith led NJCU with 17 points and 10 rebounds, junior guard Kiana Briggs had 12 tallies and senior guard Jade Medley scored 10 points.

William Paterson will play at Richard Stockton Saturday, Dec. 6, at 1:00 p.m.

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