MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (13-6, 9-3 NJAC) fell, 68-54, to Montclair State (16-3, 10-2 NJAC) in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) road game Jan. 29.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• A pair of free throws by senior Brianna Smith (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley) gave the Pioneers a five-point edge (18-13) with 8:08 on the clock in the second quarter. However, the Red Hawks went on a 14-4 run to close out the half and head into the break leading by five (27-22).
• Montclair State extended its lead to 17 (50-33) after outscoring the Pioneers, 23-11, during the first eight minutes of the third quarter.
• With 7:44 remaining in the game, a layup by junior Patty Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) sparked a 10-3 run to pull the Pioneers to within nine (59-50). However, the Red Hawks pushed the advantage back to double figures and secured the 68-54 win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Smith finished with a team-high 13 points while adding a career-best five steals.
• Senior Jade Martinez (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) logged 11 points and three assists.
• Junior Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) had a 10-point performance with six boards.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will welcome Rowan to the Sports and Recreation Center Saturday, Feb. 1, for a 1:00 p.m. conference game.   

 
FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

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