WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (3-3, 1-1 NJAC) picked up its first New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) win of the season after defeating Montclair State (4-2, 0-2 NJAC), 66-50, Dec. 4 at the Sports and Recreation Center.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers owned a five-point advantage (43-38) with 3:37 remaining in the third quarter before back-to-back baskets by freshman Leilani Pinder (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) and senior Brianna Smith (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley) pushed the lead to nine.
• William Paterson led 47-40 entering the final quarter of action before a layup by sophomore Patty Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) sparked an 11-2 run that spanned 3:32 of action and extended the Pioneers lead to 16 (58-42) with 5:59 left to play.
• The Red Hawks were limited to four made shots the rest of the way and the Pioneers earned the 66-50 home conference win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Smith paced the Pioneers offensive with a season-best 23 points on 8-of-14 (.571) shooting while knocking down four shots from deep.
• It marked her second 20-point performance of the season.
• Junior Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) finished with 16 points and four assists.
• Senior Victoria Palladino (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) and sophomore Mattison Chiera (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) logged seven points apiece.
• Chiera added five rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals to her stat line.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will head to Galloway, N.J., Saturday, Dec. 7, for a 1:00 p.m. conference game at Stockton.

 
FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

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