Dec 04, 2024
WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (3-3, 1-1 NJAC) picked up its first New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) win of the season after defeating Montclair State (4-2, 0-2 NJAC), 66-50, Dec. 4 at the Sports and Recreation Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Pioneers owned a five-point advantage (43-38) with 3:37 remaining in the third quarter before back-to-back baskets by freshman Leilani Pinder and senior Brianna Smith pushed the lead to nine.
- William Paterson led 47-40 entering the final quarter of action before a layup by sophomore Patty Walsh sparked an 11-2 run that spanned 3:32 of action and extended the Pioneers lead to 16 (58-42) with 5:59 left to play.
- The Red Hawks were limited to four made shots the rest of the way and the Pioneers earned the 66-50 home conference win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Smith paced the Pioneers offensive with a season-best 23 points on 8-of-14 (.571) shooting while knocking down four shots from deep.
- It marked her second 20-point performance of the season.
- Junior Renee Wells finished with 16 points and four assists.
- Senior Victoria Palladino and sophomore Mattison Chiera logged seven points apiece.
- Chiera added five rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals to her stat line.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson will head to Galloway, N.J., Saturday, Dec. 7, for a 1:00 p.m. conference game at Stockton.
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