Montclair, NJ- After the game reached a stalemate heading into halftime, the Montclair State University Women's Basketball team (13-3, 7-2 NJAC) put together a strong second half to push them past Kean (7-9, 4-5 NJAC), 75-60 on Saturday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Each team saw a strong scoring effort in the first quarter. The early going was as competitive as they come, seeing five tied scores and eight lead changes up to a Kean 19-18 lead with 1:55 remaining in the quarter. The only true run came after from Montclair who went on an 8-0 run to take a 26-19 lead with 26 seconds left. Kean found two free throws before the half end and the score was 26-21 heading into the second quarter. ALYSSA CRAIGWELL dominated in the first quarter with 12 points scored.
• Both teams exchanged buckets before an and-one conversion for Kean cut the lead to two points. Montclair got back to a seven-point lead after free throw from ALEXIS STROLLO and layups from SHANNON HUGHES and Craigwell put the score at 33-26 with 4:48. After the Red Hawks jumped out to a 36-30 lead with just over two minutes left to go in the half, Kean put together their first big run with an 8-2 run to nod the contest at 38-38 going into the second half.
• The halftime pep talk and adjustments worked for the Red Hawks as they surged with a 16-3 run that jumped them out to a 54-41 advantage. That run was led by Strollo who contributed half of the run total with eight points. Kean was unable to shake Montclair and generate a true run with both teams exchanging buckets down the stretch and the score was 61-48 Red Hawks heading into the final quarter.
• The final quarter saw more of the same as the final stretch of the third quarter. The Cougars fought hard but were unable to spark a climb back. Their best opportunity came with 2:53 remaining in the game, but down 18 points. They scored six unanswered points to cut the lead to 12, but time was against them. AMANDA CASTRO knocked down the final score from deep and Montclair defended the Panzer Athletic Center once again with a 75-60 win

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 

• After starting 0-2 in conference play, Montclair truly shifted their play into something special as they have won seven straight conference wins for a 7-2 NJAC record heading into the conference refresh slate.
• Craigwell posted her fourth 20+ scoring performance of the season today as she finished .500 from the floor (9-for-18) with 23 points, as well as leading the team in rebounds with eight.
• SOPHIE BENEVENTINE continues to be a jack-of-all-trades player for the Red Hawks, posting 10 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in the game.

 
FROM" THE COURT

• "We came into today knowing it was going to be a tough conference game and we would have to work for the win for the full 40 minutes. We're proud of the incredible team effort and for our players continuing to work through adversity the entire game. It was a great win to close out the first round of conference play!" Associate Head Coach Katie Sire

NEXT UP
 

• Montclair State University hits the refresh button of their conference schedule as they take on Rowan for the second time this season on Wednesday, January 22. Tip-off from the Panzer Athletic Center will be at 5:30 pm