WAYNE, N.J.-The William Paterson women's basketball team (7-4, 6-1 NJAC) used a strong start to help secure a 56-44 home win against Stockton (5-8, 3-4 NJAC) on Jan. 8.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers' jumped out to a 17-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
• Stockton began to close the gap in the second, as the half ended with WP leading 27-21.
• A made jumper at the 3:52 mark of the third quarter from senior forward Justina Cabezas (Carlstadt, N.J./Becton Regional) gave WP a 41:30 lead.
• The Pioneers' lead never fell under double-digits from that point forward.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Junior guard Yakira Rosa (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) finished with a season-high 16 points, while dishing out four assists.
• Junior guard Precious Allah (Neptune, N.J./Monmouth Regional) also scored a season-high 11 points and grabbed six rebounds.
• Cabezas finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, for her second straight double-double and her third of the season.
• Freshman guard Victoria Palladino (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) added 10 points.

UP NEXT:

• The Pioneers' host Kean on Wednesday, January 12, at 6:00 p.m.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

• www.wpupioneers.com/socialmedia