Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State women's basketball team (1-0) used an early-game surge to help lift the Red Hawks to a 62-56 opening-night win against Albright (0-1) on Friday.
How It Happened

• Montclair was dominant in the first quarter. After Albright jumped out to a 4-2 lead, a three-pointer by BELLA BRUCE sparked a massive 17-0 run that spanned 5:50 and helped them jump out to a 19-4 lead. A pair of Lion free throws was answered by an ISABELLA ORLANDO three-pointer. The opening frame ended with an Albright layup and another three from Montclair, this time from ALEXIS STROLLO, to take a commanding 25-8 lead into the second quarter.
• The second quarter started off with a pair of made free throws by Strollo and another three from Bruce to take its largest lead of the night, 30-8. Albright then clawed back with a 12-3 run to cut the lead to 33-20 at the half.
• The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair between both teams. No team generated a true run, but Albright outscored Montclair 15-10 in the quarter. Bruce led the way for the Red Hawks in the quarter with 6 points, and they held a 43-35 lead heading into the final quarter.
• The first half of the fourth quarter was spent with each team exchanging buckets. At the 4:45 mark, the Lions generated a late push with a 10-2 run that cut the lead to just two at 56-54. BELLA BRUCE hit a big jumper to make it a two-basket game again with 1:25, but was answered quickly by a layup with just over a minute left. ALYSSA CRAIGWELL put the game in her hands and capitalized on a driving layup with just 31 seconds remaining. Albright missed the mark on a few layups, and after Strollo was sent to the free-throw line with under a second left, held on for a 62-56 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• The big three of Bruce, Craigwell, and Strollo accounted for 54 of the Red Hawks' 62 points.
  • Bruce led with 19 points, finishing 8-for-17 and went 2-for-5 from deep
  • Craigwell tallied 18 and led the team in rebounds (6) and steals (7).
  • Strollo recorded 17 points, shot a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, and led the team with three blocks.
• Montclair's defense was on point tonight, forcing Albright into 33 turnovers and 20 steals.
• The Red Hawks have now won four straight opening contests.

From the Court

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Up Next

• Montclair hits the road for the first time this season, taking on Lehman on Wednesday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m.