Mahwah, NJ – The Montclair State University women's basketball team notched its 10th consecutive victory on Wednesday night, as it topped Ramapo 79-48.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (18-3, 12-2 NJAC) were locked with the Roadrunners early on, as the two sides were level at four approaching the opening stanza's halfway point. Montclair rattled off seven consecutive points, including five from SHANNON HUGHES, to build a seven point advantage with 3:43 on the clock. Ramapo cut the deficit to four with just over a minute left, but OLIVIA VERO converted a layup and ALYSSA CRAIGWELL sunk two free throws to make the score 17-9 after 10 minutes.
• Vero converted an and-one opportunity to kick off the second quarter to push the lead into double-digits for the first time, but the Roadrunners would trim it down to seven multiple times over the period's first two minutes. The visitors answered with a layup from ALEXIS STROLLO and a three-pointer from Hughes to rebuild a double-figure lead. With the lead sitting at 11, the Red Hawks used a 6-0 run over the final minute of the half to go up 40-23 at the break.
• Ramapo cut the deficit down to 12 in the opening minute of the third quarter, but Montclair pushed it back to 16 multiple times during the stanza, including on a layup from BRIANNA MONTAJES with 6:58 on the clock. Hughes connected on another shot from beyond the arc to make the score 52-34 with three minutes remaining. The Red Hawks closed the quarter with seven of the final 11 points to eclipse a 20-point advantage going into the final 10 minutes of play.
• Montclair surged offensively in the fourth, kicking off the game's final period with an 18-6 scoring run over the opening seven minutes, headlined by four made three-point shots, capped off by a make from LYNDSEY ROSS at the 3:13 mark. The Roadrunners would only get as close at 29 the rest of the way, as the Red Hawks ended the contest up by 31 points.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• The Red Hawks have won 10 consecutive games, their longest streak since the 2019-20 season, when they rattled off 12-straight. They have six seasons in which they have won 10 or more games in a row over the past 10 years.
• Hughes finished with 14 points in 16 minutes on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 makes from beyond the arc. Craigwell also notched a 14-point performance and tallied four boards.
• Vero (13 points) and Strollo (10 points) were the other two Red Hawks in double figures. SOPHIE BENEVENTINE notched nine rebounds in the contest.
• Montclair shot 49 percent from the field and 52 percent from three. Defensively, the Red Hawks forced 20 turnovers and outscored the Ramapo bench 38-15.

FROM THE COURT

"Excited about the team win tonight against Ramapo. Really proud of everyone's effort but especially Soph for continuing to be our leader and pushing her teammates. Also, shoutout to Shannon for a big night from the 3 pt line! Looking forward to competing on Saturday in another tough NJAC game and to celebrate our seniors!" - Associate Head Coach Katie Sire

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will return home for Senior Day on Saturday, February 8 to take on Stockton. Tip-off from the Panzer Athletic Center is scheduled for 3:00 PM.