Union, NJ (12/4/03) - Montclair State University sophomore forward EBONY ALLEN (Camden, N.J.) scored 19 points, including 17 in the second half, to lead five Red Hawks in double figures as MSU held off host Kean University, 84-81, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference women's basketball opener for both squads on Thursday evening.

With the victory, the Red Hawks improved to 5-0 overall, 1-0 NJAC, while the Cougars fell to 2-2 overall, 0-1 in the conference.

The Red Hawks held a three-point halftime advantage, as freshman center STEPHANIE MACHIN (New Providence, N.J.) led the team with 11 points, eight rebounds and three steals in the opening period. Senior guard Kellie Rice (Willingboro, N.J.) and senior forward Shervon James (Brooklyn, N.Y.) led the Cougars with 12 points apiece.

For the game, Allen had six rebounds, two blocks and two steals in addition to her team-high 19 points, while Machin recorded the double- double with 18 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Senior guard DYETTE DILLARD (Willingboro, N.J.) tallied 15 points and seven rebounds, while senior guard VANESSA DEFREITAS (Kearny, N.J.) and sophomore guard AMY SNYDER (Cranford, N.J.) each chipped in with 10 points.

For the Cougars, Rice had four three-pointers and scored a season-high 28 points to go along with six assists and five steals. James finished with 16 points, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals, while senior guard Janae Brumby (Trenton, N.J.) added 16 points, including four three-pointers, and four assists.

MSU returns to action on Saturday, December 6, when they host Lehman College (N.Y.) in the NJAC-CUNY Challenge at 1 p.m.