Montclair, NJ – Senior guard KAYLA CEBALLOS scored 13 of her game-high 18 points in the second half as 12^th-ranked Montclair State dominated the final two quarters in a 66-48 victory over The College of New Jersey on Saturday in the NJAC opener for both teams at the Panzer Athletic Center.

Junior forward SAGE BENNETT scored 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds as the Red Hawks (3-0, 1-0 NJAC) outscored the Lions 37-12 in the final two periods to erase a seven-points halftime deficit. Montclair picked up its 10^th straight win versus the Lions as it increased its lead in the overall series to  46-30.

Angelica Esposito and Charlotte Schum had 10 points apiece for TCNJ, which dropped to 0-4 on the season.

Tied at 14-14 after the first, Ceballos hit from behind the arc to give MSU a 17-14 before the Lions scored the next 17 points to lead by as many as 14. TCNJ used the long-range shot hitting four times from three-point range, the last by Schum for a 31-17 lead with 4:50 to go before halftime. Cindy Napolitano connected on the Lions' fifth trifecta of the period making the score 36-23 with 1:33 to go.

Montclair State would score the final six points, including a three from RACHAEL KRAUSS at the buzzer that trimmed the lead to 36-29.

The Red Hawks scored 17 of the 22 points in the third quarter to take the lead. Bennett tied the game at 38-38 and a three-pointer from TAYLOR HARMON put in front for good. Ceballos hit inside the paint and freshman FAITH ASHBY had a steal and layup as the Red Hawks led 45-38 with 1:57 left in the quarter.

Leading 46-41 entering the fourth, Bennett hit twice from the line for a seven-point lead which was cut to four after Napolitano drained her third three-pointer of the game making the score 48-44. Montclair closed out the period with an 18-4 run. Ceballos scored the first five and a three-pointer by ZOE CURTIS gave MSU a 60-46 advantage and her final basket with 45 seconds capped off the game-ending run.

Curtis finished with seven points and seven rebounds while Harmon chipped in with 10 points and a pair of blocks. KATE TOBIE had six points,  four assists and five steals for MSU, which shot 44 percent in the second half while holding the Lions to just 5-of-29 (17 percent) shooting over the final 20 minutes.

The Red Hawks return to action on Tuesday, November 24 hosting Kean University at the Panzer Athletic Center. Tipoff of the New Jersey Athletic Conference contest is set for 6:00 pm.