Camden, NJ- The Montclair State University Women's Basketball team (7-2, 3-2 NJAC) earned their third straight New Jersey Athletic Conference victory as they held off Rutgers-Camden (5-5, 2-3 NJAC) on the road, 62-55 on Saturday afternoon.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 

• The Red Hawks jumped out to an 8-5 lead within the first three minutes of the opening quarter but the Scarlet Raptors retaliated with six unanswered points to take an 11-8 lead halfway through the period. Both teams fought tooth-and-nail to the end of the quarter, seeing two lead changes and two tied scores. It was Rutgers-Camden that had the advantage heading into the second quarter with an 18-15 edge.
• The decisive quarter of the game was the second quarter when Montclair outscored Rutgers-Camden 15-6 to eventually take a 30-24 lead into halftime. SOPHIE BENEVENTINE, Oliva Vero, and DAJA WENTZ each notched a bucket to give Montclair a 21-18 lead with 6:35 left in the second quarter. After a good layup from the Scarlet Raptors, the Red Hawks went on a 9-4 run to close out the quarter. Wentz was 4-for-4 from the free throw line down that stretch.
• Rutgers-Camden kicked off the second half with six unanswered points to tie the contest 30-30. BRIANNA MONTAJES retook the lead with a layup but was quickly answered by a Scarlet Raptors layup for a 32-32 stalemate with 6:51 remaining in the third quarter. The Red Hawks scored six points to Rutgers-Camden's two that capped off the third quarter with Montclair holding a 38-34 advantage heading into the fourth. MADISON MARCOTTE, ALYSSA CRAIGWELL, and Wentz all scored down the stretch in the third.
• The fourth quarter saw the most offensive output for both teams. Camden took their first lead since the first quarter after opening the final frame with five points. A layup from Vero flipped the script back in their favor as it sparked a 10-0 run that helped push Montclair out in front, 50-39. The Scarlet Raptors were only able to get within a five-point difference the rest of the way as Montclair held on for a 62-55 victory.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• Craigwell notched back-to-back games with 18 points that once again led Montclair in scoring. She also earned a season-high five steals in the contest to go along with six rebounds.
• Beneventine saw a season-high in scoring in the contest with nine points while Vero led the team in rebounds with nine while also leading the way with two blocks.
• Montclair took advantage of their opportunities inside, scoring 32 points in the paint while also capitalizing on turnovers, earning 20 points off turnovers
• Montclair continues to impress early, having their best start to a season since 2018-19 when that team also started 7-2.

 
FROM THE COURT

• "Tonight's victory on the road is a testament to the hard work and determination of our team. We faced a tough environment, but our players showed incredible resilience and unity. This win not only boosts our confidence but also reinforces the belief that we can compete at the highest level. I'm proud of their effort and focus, and it sets the tone for the rest of the season." Head Coach Karin Harvey

 
NEXT UP
 

• Montclair State University is back to non-conference action as they travel to take on Delaware Valley on Tuesday, December 17. The tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:00 pm.