VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (7-14, 5-9 NJAC) secured a 67-60 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) win against Montclair State (8-13, 5-9 NJAC) Jan. 31 at the Sports and Recreation Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• William Paterson led by six (52-46) with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before the Red Hawks scored eight unanswered points to grab a two-point advantage (54-52).
• A layup by junior Victoria Palladino (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) with 1:46 on the clock evened the score at 54-54. Both sides went to the foul line in the final 1:29 of regulation and made just one free throw apiece to force an overtime period.
• The Pioneers began overtime on a 6-0 run with senior Briana Smith going a perfect 4-for-4 (1.000) from the charity stripe.
• Montclair State pulled within four on two separate occasions, but William Paterson was able to ice the game at the foul line and secure the 67-60 home win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Smith scored a game-high 19 points to pair with five rebounds.
• Sophomore Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) finished with 14 points, six rebounds and three steals.
• Freshman Mattison Chiera (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) posted an eight-point outing with five rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals.
• Sophomore Patricia Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) had eight points and seven boards.
• Junior Esmeralda Ruiz (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) logged eight points and six rebounds.
• Freshman Menna Hafiz (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) corralled a team-high 10 boards.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson resumes action Saturday, Feb. 3, for a 1:00 p.m. NJAC game against The College of New Jersey.

 
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