NEWARK, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (9-14, 7-9 NJAC) extended its win streak to four after defeating Rutgers-Newark (2-21, 1-15 NJAC), 66-62, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) road game Feb. 7.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The two sides were even at 11 apiece at the 4:41 mark of the opening quarter before a 3-pointer by senior Brianna Smith (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley) sparked a 16-4 run to close out the frame. During that stretch, the Pioneers went 5-for-6 (.833) from the floor and 4-for-4 (1.000) from deep.
• The William Paterson lead did not remain in double figures for long as the Scarlet Raiders used a 10-5 run in the first four minutes of the second quarter to trim the deficit to seven (32-25). However, the Pioneers extended their advantage to 10 (42-32) heading into the break after converting four shots at the charity stripe in the closing minutes of the quarter.
• Despite five unanswered points by Rutgers-Newark to begin the third quarter, William Paterson went on a 12-3 run to take a 14-point advantage (54-40) with 2:54 on the clock.
• The Pioneers carried an eight-point lead (58-46) lead into the fourth quarter before the Scarlet Raiders went on a 14-2 run to knot the game up at 60-60 with 2:39 remaining.
• Sophomore Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) gave the Pioneers the slim lead (62-60) with a jumper at the 1:44 mark and Rutgers Newark countered immediately with a make of their own.
• William Paterson was able to ice the game at the foul line in the closing minute to secure the 66-62 road win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Smith led the way offensively with a game-high 27 points.
• Junior Jade Martinez (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) went 4-for-5 (.800) from the field for a 10-point outing with four rebounds, four steals and three assists.
• Wells finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
• Freshman Mattison Chiera (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) reeled in eight boards and chipped in with six points.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will take on Rutgers-Camden Saturday, Feb. 10, at 1:00 p.m. in a conference road game.   

 
 
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