Jersey City, NJ – In a historic contest, both the Montclair State University Women's Basketball team (20-3, 14-2 NJAC) and New Jersey City University (9-14, 8-8 NJAC) played their first-ever triple-overtime game. The Red Hawks outlasted the Gothic Knights, securing their 12th consecutive victory and 14th straight NJAC win with an 88-79 triumph on Wednesday night.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Gothic Knights seized early momentum, scoring 10 unanswered points in the first three minutes. BRIANNA MONTAJES put Montclair on the board with two free throws, but NJCU extended their lead to 14-2 with 6:15 remaining in the first quarter. Montclair responded with a 12-0 run, sparked by an ALEXIS STROLLO three-pointer at the 6:02 mark, tying the game at 14-14 with 3:37 left in the period. NJCU ended the quarter with a 9-3 run and seemed poised to take a 23-17 lead into the second, but SOPHIE BENEVENTINE found Strollo for a buzzer-beater three, cutting the deficit to 23-20.
• NJCU again started strong in the second quarter, building a 29-23 lead just over two minutes in. However, Montclair shifted the momentum when an OLIVIA VERO layup at 7:38 ignited a 10-0 run, giving the Red Hawks their first lead at 34-29. After both teams exchanged three-pointers, Montclair scored five unanswered points to enter halftime with a double-digit lead, 42-32.
• The third quarter saw Montclair working to maintain their advantage. Though neither team generated a significant run, the Red Hawks outscored NJCU 15-10 in the period, extending their lead to 57-42 heading into the fourth. Vero led the quarter with six points.
• Facing a 15-point deficit, the Gothic Knights refused to fold. They held Montclair scoreless for nearly the entire fourth quarter, going on a 12-0 run to cut the lead to 57-54. Vero ended the drought with a free throw at the 46-second mark, but NJCU responded with a basket, making it a two-point game. Vero then sank two clutch free throws, pushing the lead back to four. NJCU converted an and-one opportunity, narrowing the gap to one with eight seconds left. Strollo hit one of two free throws, allowing NJCU a chance to tie with a two-pointer or win with a three. They opted for the two, sending the game to overtime.
• NJCU struck first in the initial overtime, but Strollo answered with a three to give Montclair a 64-63 lead. The teams traded baskets, and with 58 seconds left, SHANNON HUGHES' free throws tied the game at 66-66. NJCU made one of two free throws with 44 seconds remaining, giving them a one-point edge. Beneventine had a chance to win it at the line with 23 seconds left but made just one free throw, tying the game. The Red Hawk defense held strong, forcing a second overtime.
• In double overtime, Montajes and ALYSSA CRAIGWELL gave Montclair a 71-67 lead. The teams exchanged baskets before NJCU cut the deficit to 73-71 with 1:32 left. Strollo's free throw extended the lead to three, but NJCU regained the lead with a basket and two made free throws, going up 75-74 with 46 seconds remaining. A turnover nearly sealed the game for NJCU, but Montclair's defense forced a turnover of their own, setting up a final shot. After multiple missed opportunities, Montclair grabbed three offensive rebounds, and Strollo was fouled on a last-second heave. She made the first free throw to tie but missed the second, sending the game to an unprecedented third overtime.
• Montclair took control in the third overtime, scoring six unanswered points and generating a 9-2 run to pull ahead 86-77. Both teams added two free throws, but Montclair emerged victorious in the grueling battle, 88-79.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Strollo led Montclair with a career-high 22 points, including a 5-for-8 performance from beyond the arc. She also set a personal best with four steals.
• For the second time this season, Vero and Craigwell both recorded double-doubles. Vero tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Craigwell contributed 14 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. They previously achieved this feat on December 17, 2024, against Delaware Valley.
• Montajes posted a career-high 16 points, along with six rebounds, shooting 4-for-6 from the field and 8-for-10 from the free-throw line.
• The Red Hawks dominated the offensive boards, grabbing 26 offensive rebounds, which led to 23 second-chance points.

 
FROM THE COURT

• "We knew it was going to be a tough battle. NJCU is playing great basketball. We gave everything we had and learned how deep we could dig. Almost a shame anyone had to lose" Head Coach Karin Harvey

NEXT UP
 

• Montclair State University will play their final regular-season road game against Kean on Saturday, February 15, with a 3:00 p.m. tip-off.