Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State women's basketball team (10-4, 6-1 NJAC) hosted NJAC foe Stockton (7-7, 4-3 NJAC) on Saturday, where they used a big second half to roll past the Ospreys, 77-43.
How It Happened
- ALEXIS STROLLO kicked off the contest with a three-pointer on the Red Hawks' first possession. Stockton pulled in front briefly with two made free throws and a layup, but ALYSSA CRAIGWELL's next bucket sparked an 8-0 run to pull ahead to an 11-4 lead with 4:30 on the clock. The Ospreys scored six unanswered to cut the lead to a one-point deficit before Craigwell helped keep the distance with a good layup. In the final 13 seconds of the quarter, the Ospreys found a bucket, but Montclair pushed the tempo, and SAMANTHA PHILIPP connected on a deep ball with five seconds remaining and put the score at 16-12 entering the second quarter.
- Stockton put pressure on Montclair, taking advantage of second-chance points and turnovers to take the lead 19-18 in the first two minutes of the second quarter. They did not hold the lead for long as ISABELLA ORLANDO hit a three-pointer to retake the lead. SHANNON HUGHES and Orlando kept the momentum going as both hit from deep to propel the Red Hawks to a 27-19 advantage. Both teams went bucket-for-bucket down the stretch, and Montclair held a 36-28 lead going into the half.
- The two programs exchanged points in the early portion of the third period. At 6:40, Craigwell sank a jumper for the longest run of the quarter, 5-0 and pushed the lead out to 48-32. Montclair outscored Stockton 6-2 down the stretch and held a commanding 52-36 lead heading into the final frame.
- The Red Hawks dominated the fourth quarter. They outscored Stockton 25-7, with their largest run coming in the final five minutes of the game, where they went on a 16-0 run to close out the game, 77-43. Defense showed out in the final quarter as well, holding Stockton to 1-for-14 from the floor in that frame.
Inside the Numbers
- Strollo was at the forefront of the win for Montclair. She finished with a team-high 17 points on 6-for-8 shooting. She also saw a season-high seven assists and tallied two steals.
- Craigwell finished behind Strollo with 16 points and recorded five steals for the second time this week.
- The Red Hawks had their best three-point performance of the season tonight, shooting .450 on 9-for-20. Orlando led the charge, finishing 3-for-4 from deep.
- Montclair has been making a statement in conference play over the past two seasons. Since December 7 of 2024, Montclair is 23-2 against NJAC opponents, including last year's conference tournament.
From the Court
- "I was so proud of tonight's effort by the Red Hawks. When we bring that intensity on the defensive end it always sets the tone for the game and helps us get into our offensive flow. Looking forward to continuing to get better moving into the last conference game on Wednesday night!" Associate Head Coach Katie Sire
Up Next
- Montclair will look to keep its momentum going into its NJAC Championship rematch on Wednesday, January 14, against TCNJ. The game is set for a 5:00 p.m. tip-off.
