Wayne, NJ – Sophomore Katie Sire scored 18 points, including four during a game-ending 8-1 run, as Montclair State pushed past William Paterson 64-59 for its fourth straight victory on Wednesday evening.

Freshman Tiarra Dillard scored 12 points off the bench helping the Red Hawks improve to 15-6 overall, 11-3 in the NJAC. Montclair, which remains tied with Stockton University for second place in the league standings, swept the season series against it local rival and has now won 10 straight in the all-time series to upping its record to 48-34.

MSU led by one at halftime but found itself down 46-45 heading into the fourth quarter. Dillard drilled a three to open the period putting the Red Hawks back in front and a three-pointer by Zoe Curtis with 5:28 left extended Montclair's lead to 54-47.

But the Pioneers countered with an 8-0 run to regain the advantage at 55-54 and a three-pointer by Jackie Rodriguez with 2:11 to go put WPU (12-9, 8-6 NJAC) up 58-56. Sire tied the game on the next possession with a layup and a steal by Sage Bennett eventually led to a foul with 1:06 to play. Bennett sank both free throw attempts giving MSU the lead 60-58.

William Paterson would miss on its next trip down the floor however MSU could not take advantage as a turnover gave the ball back to the Pioneers with 27 seconds. Tori Woetzel missed a layup and Sire grabbed the rebound with 16 ticks. After being fouled with 11 seconds, Sire connected on both extending the lead to 62-58.   Alex Milne would get one back for WPU with six seconds however Kate Tobie iced the game for Montclair hitting twice from the line with four seconds.

Sire added four assists for MSU, which got nine points from Curtis and six points and eight rebounds from Rachael Krauss. Bennett posted five points for MSU, which shot 17-of-23 from the free throw line in the game.

The Red Hawks are home on Saturday, February 6 taking on Rutgers-Camden at 3:00 pm.