WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (3-7, 2-4 NJAC) secured an 81-65 home win over Rutgers-Newark (2-9, 1-5 NJAC) in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game at the Sports and Recreation Center Dec. 13.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers held a slim 13-10 advantage with 3:55 remaining in the first quarter before a layup by junior Jade Martinez and back-to-back 3-pointers by sophomore Renee Wells extended the lead to double figures (21-10).
• Rutgers-Newark pulled within single digits numerous times in the second quarter, but William Paterson continuously had an answer and took a 10-point lead (39-29) into the halftime break.
• The Pioneers opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run that made it a 21-point game (52-31) with 6:59 on the clock.
• William Paterson maintained its double-digit lead the rest of the way and earned the 81-65 home victory.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Senior Brianna Smith led all scorers with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-14 (.571) shooting while knocking down five shots from long range.
• She added five rebounds, three assists and two steals to her stat line.
• Wells posted a 22-point performance to go with four assists, four steals and three rebounds.
• Freshman Mattison Chiera logged 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals.
• Martinez recorded 10 points, four boards, two assists and two steals.
• Sophomore Patricia Walsh finished with eight points and seven rebounds.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson returns to action Saturday, Dec. 16, for a 1:00 p.m. home game against Gwynedd Mercy.