VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS https://youtu.be/DER_tHkE2r8

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (2-5, 1-2 NJAC) got off to a fast start but couldn't hold off visiting Rowan (5-3, 2-1 NJAC), 66-58, Dec. 2.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers jumped out to a 13-5 lead to start the contest behind 6-for-7 (.857) shooting from the field, and ended the first quarter with a 23-17 advantage behind five points from junior guard Esmeralda Ruiz (Kearny, N.J./Kearny).
• A three-pointer from freshman guard Mattison Chiera (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) pushed WP ahead by a 28-20 count with 6:52 remaining in the second, but the Profs responded with a 12-6 run for a 32-31 edge at the 2:34 mark. William Paterson carried a 38-36 lead into the locker room, led by senior guard Brianna Smith's (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley) 10 points.
• Rowan scored the first 10 points of the second half, and owned a 53-46 advantage after three quarters.
• A Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) layup cut it to a 60-55 deficit with 2:18 left, but the Profs answered with two straight buckets to seal the win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Smith collected 16 points, her eighth consecutive double-figure scoring effort.
• Wells posted 14 tallies and four assists.
• Sophomore center Patricia Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) had 10 points and a team-best nine rebounds.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson plays at Montclair State Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m.

 
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