Jan 31, 2024
WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (7-14, 5-9 NJAC) secured a 67-60 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) win against Montclair State (8-13, 5-9 NJAC) Jan. 31 at the Sports and Recreation Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- William Paterson led by six (52-46) with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before the Red Hawks scored eight unanswered points to grab a two-point advantage (54-52).
- A layup by junior Victoria Palladino with 1:46 on the clock evened the score at 54-54. Both sides went to the foul line in the final 1:29 of regulation and made just one free throw apiece to force an overtime period.
- The Pioneers began overtime on a 6-0 run with senior Briana Smith going a perfect 4-for-4 (1.000) from the charity stripe.
- Montclair State pulled within four on two separate occasions, but William Paterson was able to ice the game at the foul line and secure the 67-60 home win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Smith scored a game-high 19 points to pair with five rebounds.
- Sophomore Renee Wells finished with 14 points, six rebounds and three steals.
- Freshman Mattison Chiera posted an eight-point outing with five rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals.
- Sophomore Patricia Walsh had eight points and seven boards.
- Junior Esmeralda Ruiz logged eight points and six rebounds.
- Freshman Menna Hafiz corralled a team-high 10 boards.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson resumes action Saturday, Feb. 3, for a 1:00 p.m. NJAC game against The College of New Jersey.
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