Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State women's basketball team (12-6, 8-3 NJAC) poured on a season-high 85 points on Saturday evening to defeat Rutgers-Newark (2-16, 0-11 NJAC), 85-53.

How It Happened

• The Red Hawks scored the first four points of the game before Rutgers-Newark cut the lead to 4-3 at the 8:26 timestamp. A good layup from SHANNON HUGHES sparked an 8-2 run over the next four minutes. The quarter ended with two buckets from the Scarlet Raiders and a made free throw from RANIYAH GREEN, and Montclair took a 15-6 lead into the second quarter.
• Defense held strong early with no score over the first two minutes of the second quarter. Two made free throws by ALEXIS STROLLO at the 7:52 mark ended the scoring drought. After taking a double-digit lead of 22-12, both teams traded blows down the stretch, and Montclair went up 32-20 at the halftime break.
• CELINA BUSSANICH kicked off the second half with a good layup and ignited a big run for Montclair of 17-2 up to the 5:31 timestamp. Buckets from ALYSSA CRAIGWELL and Strollo answered a good layup from the Scarlet Raiders and pushed the Red Hawk lead out to 55-24. Both teams exchanged buckets the rest of the quarter, and the score was 64-35 heading into the fourth period.
• Craigwell scored the first two baskets of the game and helped Montclair score seven of the next nine points. No team saw a significant run down the stretch, and Montclair maintained its distance for an 85-53 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Montclair scored its season-best with 85 points, besting the mark of 83 they set last week at Kean.
• Both SAMANTHA PHILIPP and Craigwell each collected double-doubles in the game. Phillip led with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Craigwell scored 12 points and 11 rebounds.
• Strollo was one rebound away from a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. She also had a team-high four assists.
• Women's basketball hosted its inaugural SupportHER game tonight. The SupportHER Game reflects Montclair State University's mission to promote equity, leadership, and opportunity both on and off the court. Designed as an annual initiative, the event brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for a shared moment of recognition and visibility, while encouraging young girls to see athletics as a pathway to confidence and leadership.

From the Court

• ""This was a total team win on an important night. SupportHER represents strength, unity, and belief, and our players embodied all of that on the court. The way we shared the ball, defended together, and played for one another made this a really meaningful victory!" Head Coach Karin Harvey 

 
Up Next

• Montclair hits the road for a big showdown with William Paterson on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m.