VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS 

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (2-1) came out on top in its 2022-23 home opener after defeating John Jay (2-1), 66-48, on Nov. 15 at the Sports and Recreation Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers took a six-point lead (29-23) into the half and the advantage was trimmed to two following back-to-back baskets by John Jay to open the third quarter. However, five straight points by junior Brianna Smith (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley) with 7:53 on the clock sparked a 17-6 William Paterson run that spanned the remainder of the frame.  
• With a double-digit lead entering the fourth (45-33), the Pioneers iced the game at the foul line after knocking down 13 free throws to secure the home victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Senior Yakira Rosa (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) logged a season-best 13 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, two steals and a career-high three blocks.
• Smith put up 11 in the scoring column and added a team-high nine rebounds, four assists and two steals to her stat line.
• Freshman Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) recorded her first collegiate double-digit scoring effort after finishing with 11 points on 4-of-8 (.500) shooting.
• William Paterson won in its home opener for the second consecutive season.

UP NEXT:

• The Pioneers will welcome Drew to the Sports and Recreation Center on Saturday, Nov. 19, for a 1:00 p.m. contest.   

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

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