JERSEY CITY, N.J. - In a thrilling triple-overtime clash on Feb. 12, Montclair State University (MSU) defeated New Jersey City University (NJCU) 87-79 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) showdown at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

Statistically, NJCU shot 37.5% from the field (27-72), 29.2% from three-point range (7-24), and 85.7% from the free-throw line (18-21). The Gothic Knights also dominated the boards, out-rebounding Montclair 57-55, and forced 23 turnovers, leading to 17 points off those turnovers. Guard Destiny Battle (East Orange, N.J./East Orange STEM Academy) led NJCU with 20 points, including 8-for-10 from the free-throw line, adding 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. She also recorded her 1,500 career point. Guard Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) contributed 17 points and 6 rebounds, while guard Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception) finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Montclair, on the other hand, shot 32.1% from the field (26-81), 30.4% from beyond the arc (7-23), and 64.4% from the free-throw line (29-45). Despite the shooting struggles, Montclair's defense and free-throw efficiency were key. Alexis Strollo led the Red Hawks with 22 points, including 5-for-8 from three-point range, adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Olivia Vero posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Brianna Montajes chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Alyssa Craigwell contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds. Montclair forced 30 turnovers and capitalized on second-chance points, making the most of NJCU's mistakes.

NJCU came out strong in the opening minutes, building an early 14-2 lead thanks to a 10-0 run. However, Montclair didn't back down, answering with a 12-0 run of their own to tie the game at 14 with just over three minutes left in the first half. The first half ended with NJCU holding a narrow 23-20 lead, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by guard Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception). As the second half began, NJCU continued to maintain a slight edge until Montclair's Brianna Montajes tied the game at 29 with a layup with just over five minutes remaining. This sparked a 15-3 run by the Red Hawks, allowing them to take a 42-32 lead into the break.

Montclair took control in the third quarter, outscoring NJCU 26-12, with 19 of those points coming from second-chance opportunities. By the end of the third period, the Red Hawks had stretched their lead to 57-42. However, NJCU made a determined push in the fourth quarter. With a stifling defensive effort that held Montclair scoreless for the first nine minutes of the period, NJCU slowly chipped away at the deficit. At 2:19, guard Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) hit a jumper to bring the game to 57-54, and with 52.2 seconds left, she converted both free throws to make it a two-possession game. With 8.2 seconds remaining, Postell completed an "and-one" opportunity to cut the lead to 60-59. Despite Montclair's late free throw from Sophie Beneventine, NJCU tied the game at 61, sending it into overtime.

The first overtime period was filled with tense back-and-forth play, as both teams traded baskets and free throws. At 44.7 seconds, Postell gave her team a 66-65 lead with a free throw, but Montclair answered with Strollo hitting one of two free throws to tie the game at 66, sending it into double overtime. In the second overtime, Rigo stole the ball and converted two clutch free throws with 46.3 seconds left, giving NJCU a 75-74 lead. However, Montclair refused to back down, securing multiple offensive rebounds in the final seconds and forcing a foul that sent Strollo to the line. She converted one of two free throws to tie the game at 75, sending the game into a third overtime.

In the third overtime, Montclair capitalized on their depth and free-throw shooting. The Red Hawks outscored NJCU 13-4, with six of those points coming from the free-throw line. NJCU's offense couldn't generate enough to keep up, and Montclair closed out the game with an 87-79 win.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights look to bounce back as they head to TCNJ on Saturday, Feb. 15 for a 1:00 p.m. NJAC matchup.

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