Montclair, NJ- The Montclair State Women's Basketball team looks to maintain their spot at the top of the NJAC standings when they travel to take on Kean on Saturday.
GAME INFO
The game is set for a 3:00 pm showdown inside the Hardwood Arena. Live coverage of the game can be found at montclairathletics.com
LAST TIME OUT
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.
TEAM LEADERS
MONTCLAIR STATE (20-3, 14-2 NJAC)
Points Per Game: ALYSSA CRAIGWELL, 14.8
Rebounds Per Game: OLIVIA VERO, 8.0
Field goal percentage: ALYSSA CRAIGWELL, .473
Three Point Percentage: ALYSSA CRAIGWELL, .367
Free throw Percentage: BRIANNA MONTAJES, .792
Assists: SOPHIE BENEVENTINE, 117
Steals: ALYSSA CRAIGWELL, 44
Blocks: OLIVIA VERO, 32
KEAN (11-12, 8-8 NJAC)
Points Per Game: Maddison Vaughn, 12.6
Rebounds Per Game: Maddison Vaughn, 9.7
Field goal percentage: Riley Aherns, .506
Three Point Percentage: Jordyn Keating .344
Free throw Percentage: Peyton Smith, .900
Assists: Brittany Graff, 86
Steals: Erika Mercedes, 51
Blocks: Maddison Vaughn, 54
SCOUTING KEAN
The Cougars enter this matchup sitting in fifth place in the conference with an 8-8 NJAC record and an 11-12 overall record. They fell in their last matchup at home against William Paterson, 75-68 on Wednesday night. In 2023-24, Kean compiled a 17-10 overall record with a 13-5 NJAC record to secure their spot in the NJAC Tournament. They won their quarterfinal matchup against Rowan, 78-66, but fell in the semifinals against eventual champion New Jersey City, 61-48. According to the 2024-25 NJAC Preseason Poll, the Cougars are slated for a fourth-place finish.
SERIES HISTORY
It will be the 98th meeting between these two storied programs. Montclair holds the series advantage at 58-39.
LAST MEETING
The Red Hawks and the Cougars met earlier this year in the Panzer Athletic Center where Montclair emerged victorious, 75-60 on January 18.
UP NEXT
Montclair State University will host their final regular season game of the year when they face off with The College of New Jersey at 5:30 pm.
