MAHWAH, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (11-4, 7-1 NJAC) extended its win streak to five after securing a 66-53 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) road victory at Ramapo (2-13, 1-7 NJAC) Jan. 15.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A 3-pointer by junior Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) with 21 seconds remaining in the second quarter extended the Pioneers' lead to seven (31-24) heading into the halftime break.
• WP took control of the game in the third frame after outscoring the Roadrunners, 21-9, to gain a 19-point advantage (52-33). The Pioneers forced 11 Ramapo turnovers in the quarter while limiting the Roadrunners to three made field goals.
• Despite a fourth-quarter comeback effort by Ramapo, the double-digit deficit proved to be insurmountable, and WP earned the 66-53 road win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Pioneers are off to their best start in conference play since the 2011-12 team went 12-1.
• Senior Brianna Smith (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley) had a team-high 15 points with three steals and two assists.
• Junior Patty Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) logged 13 points, seven boards and a pair of blocks.
• Wells recorded 11 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists.
• Freshman Leilani Pinder (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) scored a career-high 11 points on 4-of-6 (.667) shooting with four boards, two assists and two steals.
• WP dished out 20 assists on 23 made shots.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson returns to the Sports and Recreation Center Saturday, Jan. 18, for a 1:00 p.m. conference game against Rutgers-Camden.

 
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