Montclair, NJ – Senior CERYS MACLELLAND scored a team-high 15 points, but the Montclair State women's basketball team fell to Kean University 71-62 in New Jersey Athletic Conference action Saturday.

The Cougars (5-1, 3-0 NJAC) opened the game with six straight markers before the Red Hawks (4-3, 2-1) responded with six of their own to draw even. Kean countered with an 8-0 spurt over the next 2:36 to take the lead back. MSU cut the lead in half with 2:49 to go in the opening period, as junior TAYLOR BROWN hit from behind the arc. MacLelland capped off the opening frame with a fast-break layup.

Junior KAYLA BUSH blocked a Kean shot midway through the second stanza, and MacLelland knocked down a jumper to trim the deficit to two at 26-24. Kean was able to extend the gap to double-digits courtesy of a 10-2 rally before MSU ended the first half with five straight points from Brown.

The Cougars, who led by five at the break, grew the lead back to 11 points on an Ashley Hunt jumper with 3:38 left in the third. Freshman NICKIE CARTER hit three-pointers on consecutive possessions to bring the deficit to five, but Kean was able to enter the fourth and final quarter with a 54-47 advantage.

Kean was able to control the early portion of the fourth quarter, and a Payce Lange jumper with 7:39 left saw the margin grow to nine at 58-49. MacLelland hit a layup, drew the foul, and converted the free throw to begin MSU's comeback hopes. Bush continued the rally with a layup before sophomore RYLEE MULLIGAN hit a corner three to make it a one-possession game with 5:33 remaining.

Montclair was unable to find the game-tying or go-ahead baskets, and Kean used a pivotal 8-0 run to break the game back open. The Red Hawks were unable to get any closer than six the rest of the way, and Bush ended the game with a layup with 23 seconds remaining.

MacLelland added six rebounds and six assists to go along with her 15 points, while Bush and Brown each added 11 points. Bush was able to record a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Carter registered 14 points and four steals. Lange had a game-high 22 points for Kean, who also received 17 points from Shannon McCoy.

The Red Hawks hit the road on Wednesday, resuming NJAC play against New Jersey City University at 6:00 pm.