JERSEY CITY, NJ – Nicole Mallard had 17 points and Dakota Adams scored 15 as third-seeded Rowan won the 2023 NJAC Women's Basketball Championship, defeating top-seeded New Jersey City, 79-70, Saturday evening. It is Rowan's second title under coach Demetrius Poles, with the last one coming in the 2019-20 season, while it is the eighth all-time for the Profs.

Adams contributed 15 rebounds and Mallard went 8-for-10 from the foul line. Danielle McCurdy scored 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting with Grace Marshall scoring 11 for the Profs.

Rowan (20-8) opened the third quarter going on a 13-2 run, which included six points from Marshall, to take a 55-40 lead with 5:35 left in the third quarter, their largest of the game. But three-pointers by NJCU's Jada Camacho and the NJAC Player of the Year, Damaris Rodriguez, pulled the home team within 59-52 with over three minutes to play in the quarter.

The Profs remained in control during the fourth quarter, although NJCU (15-8) pulled within 65-59 with 7:48 to play. Rowan responded with an 8-1 run to hold a 73-60 advantage with 3:04 remaining. The Gothic Knights scored six straight to cut the deficit to 75-70 but Mallard and Marshall both went 2-for-2 from the foul line to put away the championship.

The teams were tied 21-21 after one quarter of play. In the second quarter, the teams traded leads, but after a 30-30 tie, Rowan made its move, scoring seven straight, with four from Adams, to take a 37-30 lead with 2:45 to play. At halftime, the Profs held a 42-38 advantage.

Coach Demetrius Poles stated, "Our game plan was keep them out of the paint. We did not press at all…stayed focused on our game plan defensively, as it affected their offense. (We) made it hard for them when they had the ball. I'm so happy for the young ladies. This (win) will be a part of a college moment they'll never forget."

The Profs will await their next opponent and destination when the NCAA Tournament bracket is announced on Monday, February 27 during the Selection Show at 3 p.m. on NCAA.com.