READING, Pa. – Despite a pair of 20-point performances by junior Patty Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) and senior Brianna Smith (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley), the William Paterson women's basketball team (2-2) was edged 62-61 by Alvernia (2-2) in a road non-conference game Nov. 19.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• William Paterson opened the night on a 15-6 run that spanned the first 6:35 of action.The WP defense limited the Wolves to 3-of-13 (.231) shooting from the floor during that stretch.
• Alvernia countered with a 14-2 run that carried into the second quarter and gave the Wolves a three-point lead (20-17). From there, neither side was able to gain much separation as the two teams continuously traded baskets.
• With 7:40 remaining in the game, Smith buried a shot from deep that put the Pioneers ahead, 55-53. However, Alvernia responded with seven unanswered points to retake the lead (60-55).
• A layup by junior Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) with 1:06 on the clock made it a one-point game (62-61), but the Pioneers were unable to capitalize on the offensive end despite a few late scoring chances and Alvernia held on for the victory.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Walsh scored a career-high 22 points to go with 10 boards for her first double-double of the season.
• Smith logged a season-best 20 points.
• Wells had nine points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will open New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action when the Pioneers host The College of New Jersey Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 5:30 p.m.

 
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