Box Score

POMONA, N.J. – No. 14/14 William Paterson (7-1, 1-1 NJAC) suffered its first loss of the season, a 61-52 upset at the hands of host Richard Stockton (6-2, 2-0 NJAC) Dec. 11.

The game was a tense defensive contest that saw both teams shoot under 40 percent from the floor. After nine ties and seven lead changes, Stockton led by one at the half, 29-28, behind LaTonya Oliver, who scored nine of her 17 points during the opening period.

After the game's 17th tie, William Paterson took a 52-50 lead on a basket by April Smith (Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional) with 3:50 remaining, but the Pioneers did not score again. Stockton took the lead for good at 53-52 on a jumper by Julia Fagan with 2:33 to play. That bucket was part of a game-ending 11-0 run that spurred the Ospreys to the 61-52 upset victory.

During the second half, Fagan broke loose to score 14 of her game-high 19 points and pull down 10 of her 15 rebounds to spur the Ospreys to victory. Che'Na Thompson chipped in with 11 points and played superb defense for Stockton in the deciding half.

The Pioneers were led by junior guard BriAnna Lucas (Hamilton, N.J./Nottingham) with 15 points. Smith scored 14 points and grabbed a team-high 13 rebounds, while sophomore forward Tatiana Javis (Newark, N.J./ Bloomfield Tech) helped out with 10 points.

William Paterson will enjoy a break for final exams, returning to action Saturday, Dec. 18, at home against Mount Saint Mary at 1:00 p.m.