Montclair, NJ- The Montclair State University Women's Basketball team (5-2, 1-2 NJAC) earned their first NJAC Conference win of the season on Saturday afternoon when they upended Rutgers-Newark, 76-38.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 

• Both teams exchanged buckets at the start of the game but Montclair outscored Rutgers-Newark, 13-2 the rest of the quarter to take a 15-4 lead after the first quarter. Six different Red Hawks scored in the opening frame, including ALYSSA CRAIGWELL, who totaled four points.
• Montclair put together a big 15-3 run to open the second quarter for a 30-7 lead. OLIVIA VERO sparked the run with the first four points of the quarter on layups. The Scarlet Raiders converted an and-one to get themselves into double-digits but were outscored 9-2 down the stretch and Montclair took a 39-12 lead into the half. SHANNON HUGHES scored four points in the final run.
• The third quarter saw a more even battle back-and-forth. Rutgers-Newark outscored their total by one in the third but were still outscored by the Red Hawks, 19-13 to take a 58-25 lead into the final quarter of play. The third quarter saw Montclair connect on three deep balls, one each from Hughes, AMANDA CASTRO, and ALEXIS STROLLO.
• Montclair secured the win with an 18-13 quarter and notched their first conference win of the season in the Panzer Athletic Center. Six different Red Hawks scored in the quarter including ISABELLA ORLANDO who scored five points on a three-point ball and a layup.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• Hughes led the way in scoring for Montclair for the first time this season with a season-high 15 points on 16-for-12 shooting. She hit two shots from beyond the arc and also tallied two rebounds and two steals.
• Craigwell was just behind Hughes in points with 13 while also collecting eight rebounds, four steals, and four blocks.
• In her first collegiate start, MADISON MARCOTTE led the team in assists with five, tied Craigwell for the team lead in rebounds with eight, scored four points, and tallied two steals.
• Montclair's win streak against Rutgers-Newark has now reached the quarter-century mark as they have now extended it to 25 straight games. The win streak dates back to 2012.

FROM THE COURT

"Tonight's victory was a true testament to our team's unity and determination. Every player stepped up, and it was incredible to see each contribution add to our success. Our freshman point guard not only led the way with an outstanding performance but also showcased the depth of talent we have. This win is just the beginning, and I couldn't be prouder of how we all came together to achieve our first conference victory!" - Head Coach Karin Harvey
 
NEXT UP

Montclair State University will remain home and will play host to NJAC foe Ramapo on Wednesday, December 11 for a 5:30 pm tip-off.