Box Score 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Despite a career-high 29 points from freshman guard BriAnna Lucas (Hamilton, N.J./Nottingham), included 26 during the second half, the William Paterson women's basketball team (5-3) dropped a hard-fought 89-80 decision at Staten Island (8-2) Dec. 10.

In a game billed as a regional showdown between two teams expected to make noise in their respective conference tournaments, and a rematch of a game that went into overtime a year ago, the teams traded the lead four times in the opening eight minutes. CSI rallied to take its biggest lead, however, in just over a two-minute span, racing to a nine-point, 21-12 lead at the 9:47 mark, powered by a five-point sequence from sophomore Kristen Panariello. 

In a recurring theme of the evening, the Pioneers had an answer, reducing the CSI lead to two points on three separate occasions during the next six minutes. A three-point goal and lay-up by Julie Haledjian (Montvale, N.J./Pascack Hills) rallied the Pioneers, but consecutive lay-ups by Allie Shanahan and Nicole Estrada for the Dolphins, were a fitting answer, as CSI took a 35-29 lead into the locker rooms.
In a high-intensity, back-and-forth second half, it was once again CSI answering the call, outscoring the Pioneers, 54-51. The Dolphins started the half on a 10-4 run, spearheaded by a Melanie D'Ambrosi three-pointer and jumper by Estrada. WP whittled the lead down to four, 49-45, with a numbing 12-4 run of its own, ending at the 12:09 mark of the second frame.

CSI responded with an Allie Shanahan three-ball, and when a Lucas three put WP within two, 53-51, consecutive baskets by Megan Sullivan on two straight possessions gave CSI a six-point cushion. The two teams continued to trade shots, with William Paterson knocking the lead down to a single point on two occasions. 

Finally, with 1:52 remaining and nursing a slim 79-76 lead, CSI had room for one more powerful run. A three-pointer from Sullivan gave CSI an 82-76 edge, and after the Pioneers missed a three of their own, CSI marched down the court and Shanahan banked home another three to lift CSI to an 85-76 lead. From there, WPU resorted to fouling, and CSI made 4-of-5 free throws to seal the win. 

CSI's five starters accounted for all the CSI scoring, with Megan Sullivan leading the way with 26 points and a whopping 19 rebounds. Shanahan netted 20 in the effort, along with seven rebounds and six assists. Estrada tallied 15 points, while Panariello and D'Ambrosi knocked in 14 apiece. 

Lucas poured in a game-high 29 points, making all eight second-half attempts, including four from beyond the arc. Sophomore April Smith (Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional) posted 18 points and a team-high nine rebounds, junior guard Erin Cook (Princeton, N.J./Princeton) turned in 14 points and seven boards, and Haledjian added eight tallies and a career-best 14 assists.

William Paterson will host Mount Saint Mary Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1:00 p.m.