MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (1-3, 0-1 NJAC) rallied from a halftime deficit to make it a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter but could not overtake Montclair State (3-1, 1-0 NJAC), falling 58-52 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opener for both schools.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• After Justina Cabezas' (Carlstadt, N.J./Becton Regional ) jumper gave WP a 20-19 advantage late in the first half, the Pioneers were held scoreless for the final 3:18, allowing the Red Hawks to claim a 27-20 edge at intermission. 
• Coming out of the break, WP's defense would force six turnovers and outscore Montclair State 17-12 in the frame to cut the deficit to two, 39-37, entering the fourth.
• With just over two minutes remaining in the game, Brianna Brooks (Saddle Brook, N.J./Saddle Brook) hit a pair of free throws to make it a one-possession game (47-45, 2:11). Montclair State, however, would connect on nine straight attempts from the charity stripe to hold off William Paterson, 58-52.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Senior guard Julie Rovito (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) led the Pioneers with 14 points, while Alisa Giordano (Wood-Ridge, N.J./Wood-Ridge) chipped-in 11.
• Sophomore forward Vianca Soriano (New Milford, N.J./New Milford) paced the defense with six rebounds and Brooks added five.  

UP NEXT:

• WP returns to the Sports and Recreation Center to host Cabrini on Monday, Nov. 26, at 6:00 p.m.

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• http://www.wpupioneers.com/socialmedia