Union, NJ – Junior KATIE SIRE scored 15 of her 19 points in the second half as No. 16 Montclair State overcame a three-point halftime deficit for a 62-53 victory over Kean University in the NJAC opener for both teams at the Harwood Arena on Tuesday evening.

Sire finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, one of three Red Hawks with double-double performances as Montclair remained unbeaten at 4-0 with the victory.  SAGE BENNETT (14 points, 11 rebounds) and ZOE CURTIS (11 points, 11 rebounds) each had double-double for MSU, which put four players in double figures for the game.

MSU led by four after one period and was in front 26-21 with five minute to go in the second before the Cougars scored the final eight points for a 29-26 advantage at the break.

Kean's Marajiah Bacon increased the lead to 31-26 and sister Miesha Bacon's three with 6:03 to play made the score 37-32. But Montclair chipped away and regained the lead with 1:10 to go as Sire completed a three-point play. He basket with 39 seconds left allowed Montclair State take a 46-44 lead into the fourth quarter.

Sire kept the Red Hawks in front with a basket to start off the final period before KATE TOBIE drained a huge three pointer with 7:16 left widening the MSU lead to 53-46. Another basket by Tobie, who finished with 11 points, and a three-point play by Bennett with 4:14 left pushed the lead to 11 points, 60-49.

Curtis handed out four assists while Tobie and RACHAEL KRAUSS each collected three steals.

The Red Hawks are back in action on Monday, November 28 at home against Stevens. Tip-off at the Panzer Athletic Center is scheduled for 7:00 pm.