Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State women's basketball team was topped by Kean University 56-48 in New Jersey Athletic Conference action Saturday.
 
NICKIE CARTER recorded a game-high 19 points for Montclair State (11-13, 8-9 NJAC) as Shannon McCoy had 14 for Kean (15-9, 13-4 NJAC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Cougars jumped out to a 14-6 advantage midway through the first quarter before SHANNON HUGHES stopped the run with a three-pointer. Carter gave Montclair a 16-15 edge, hitting back-to-back three-pointers.
• After taking a three-point lead into the second, Kean extended the gap to seven on a Sarah Olivero triple. A put-back from OLIVIA VERO brought Montclair to within three before Carter made it a one-point affair with a driving layup.
• BRIANNA MONTAJES gave Montclair a 29-28 lead, but Kayla Anderson netted two free-throws in the final minute to give Kean a 30-29 lead at the break.
• The Red Hawks held Kean scoreless over the first 4:14 of the third and took a 34-32 edge off a Hughes three-pointer with 5:15 left. The Cougars finished the third with six of the final seven points and led 42-37 after three.
• Montclair opened the fourth with a 7-0 run, jumping in front 44-42 thanks to back-to-back buckets from MEGAN DUFFY. Kean responded with seven of their own, holding Montclair without a point for four minutes before MADELYN MCCREA snapped the drought.
• The Red Hawks could only get as close as three as they were unable to chip away at the deficit.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Duffy matched a career-high with 10 rebounds as the Red Hawks outrebounded Kean 43-39.
• Vero notched four points, six rebounds, four blocks, and three steals in the setback.

FROM THE COURT
"Tough loss todere happy with the effort in our rebounding and defense but had trouble getting into a flow on offense. We fought hard but couldn't finish it off. Just have to keep working to get better." - Assistant Coach Katie Sire. 

UP NEXT
The Red Hawks close the regular season Wednesday as they head to Glassboro, NJ, to face Rowan at 5:30 pm.