BOX SCORE

GLASSBORO, N.J. – Senior all-Americans April Smith (Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional) and BriAnna Lucas (Hamilton, N.J./Nottingham) combined for 55 points as No. 8/9 William Paterson (19-1, 8-1 NJAC) defeated host Rowan (8-12, 2-7 NJAC), 78-63, in women's basketball action Jan. 28.

Smith collected 30 points and 12 rebounds for her nation-leading 16th double-double of the season, chipping in five steals, while Lucas contributed 25 tallies, six boards and two assists.  Sophomore guard Floriana Borova (Cresskill, N.J./Cresskill) collected 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists, and sophomore forward Dana Jeter (Hamilton, N.J./Steinert) had six tallies and 12 boards.

Ahead by 13 (39-26) at the break, the Pioneers stretched their advantage to 17 at 47-30 less than four minutes into the second half.  WP kept it a double-digit margin for the next 10 minutes, owning a 64-51 advantage with 6:51 on the clock, but the Profs went on an 8-0 run during the next 95 seconds, getting to within two possessions at 64-59 with 5:16 remaining.

Borova answered with a bucket (66-59, 4:54), and after a Rowan turnover Lucas converted a layup for a 68-59 score with 3:49 to play.  Lucas added a pair of free throws 26 seconds later (70-59), and the Pioneers were firmly in control for the remaining three minutes.

William Paterson uncharacteristically turned it over more than its opponent (24-21), but did dominate the glass by a 52-33 count and out-scored Rowan 18-2 on second-chance opportunities.

Lauren Gregg and Kate Matthews each scored 13 points for the Profs.  Lauren Creel chipped in 12 tallies.

William Paterson will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day Wednesday, Feb. 1, when it hosts Montclair State at 6:00 p.m.