Montclair, NJ – Behind a 27-point fourth quarter, the #16 Montclair State University women's basketball team battled back to defeat Rowan 64-57 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference opener on Tuesday night at the Panzer Athletic Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (4-0, 1-0 NJAC) fell behind by three on the game's first bucket, but countered on the ensuing possession as MADISON MARCOTTE found BELLA BRUCE for a layup at the basket. After Rowan extended the lead back to three a few minutes later, Bruce connected on a shot from long distance to equalize at five with 6:28 on the clock. The Profs answered with the final 10 points of the stanza to build a double-digit advantage after the opening 10 minutes.
• ALEXIS STROLLO converted a pair of free throws in the beginning stages of the second period before Rowan recorded back-to-back baskets to build a 12-point advantage. Montclair was able to cut the deficit to single digits on layups from CELINA BUSSANICH and MALVINA SULLIVAN, but the Profs slowly nudged back out by 11 with 3:09 left in the half on a shot from beyond the arc. SHANNON HUGHES hit a three-point shot and later knocked down two free throws to bring the Red Hawks within six, as Rowan scored with 50 seconds remaining to make it 26-18 at the break.
• The Profs notched a quick five points over the first two minutes of the third quarter to extend their lead to 13, but Montclair battled back with six of the next eight points, all from ALYSSA CRAIGWELL. With Rowan leading 35-24 at the 5:24 mark, the Red Hawks rattled off the ensuing five points on a pair of layups and a free throw from Strollo. The Profs pushed the game back to double-digits at 41-29 with two minutes remaining before Montclair closed on a 8-2 scoring run, including a crucial three-pointer from Strollo.
• Craigwell bolted out of the timeout with a quick five points in the fourth quarter's opening minute to bring the Red Hawks within one. Rowan extended the lead back to two possessions shortly after, but Montclair once again made a push offensively and took their first lead of the night with 4:49 on the clock on a three-point make from Bussanich. On the next trip up the court, Strollo sliced to the basket and converted an and-one opportunity to push the lead to four. Craigwell increased the lead to six on a layup with 41 seconds left, and would push it to a game-high seven in the waning moments to seal the victory.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Craigwell finished with a game-high 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field, marking her second consecutive 20-plus point performance.
• Strollo was close behind with a season-best 19 points, converting all six of her free throws to lead the way for Montclair. 
• Montclair shot 50 percent from the field in the third quarter and a blistering 71 percent in the final stanza as they outscored the Profs by 13 down the stretch.
• The Red Hawks have won their first four games in each of the last two seasons for the first time since 2015 and 2016.

FROM THE COURT

"We knew tonight was going to be a tough NJAC matchup and we would really have to work hard to find a way to win. As a staff we are continuously proud of the effort and grit this team displays every night. We are excited to continue to build on all the pieces we have in order to be successful. Great team win heading into Thanksgiving!" - Associate Head Coach Katie Sire

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will continue NJAC play on Wednesday, December 3, against William Paterson. Tip-off from the Panzer Athletic Center is scheduled for 5:00 PM.