WAYNE, N.J. – The No. RV/18 William Paterson women's basketball team (18-1, 12-0 NJAC) used a 19-1 run in the third quarter to propel past Montclair State (12-7, 8-4 NJAC) and secure an 87-69 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) win Jan. 28 at the Sports and Recreation Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers entered the third quarter leading by one (39-38) before the 19-1 run pushed them ahead by 19 (58-39) with 5:07 on the clock.
• The lead grew as large as 24 (70-46) following a pair of foul shots by junior Jada Jacobs (Mount Laurel, N.J./Medford Tech) with 2:44 remaining in the frame.
• Following a score from down low by graduate student Megan Sears (Oakland, N.J./Indian Hills) to open the fourth quarter, the Red Hawks responded with a 14-1 run to pull within 10 (75-65) with 4:29 left to play.
• However, WP outscored Montclair State, 12-3, the rest of the way to claim the 87-69 conference home victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Jacobs recorded a triple-double, finishing with 15 points, a career-high 11 assists and 10 steals to go with six boards.
• Senior Luna Kirby (Leola, Pa./Linden Hall School for Girls) shot 6-of-10 (.600) from the field and 4-of-5 (.800) from deep for a career-high 18 points.
• Senior Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) had 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
• Sears totaled 15 points on 7-of-10 (.700) shooting to pair with seven boards.
• Senior Patty Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) went 6-for-12 (.500) from the floor for 13 points, adding seven rebounds and four blocks.
• The Pioneers clinched a berth in the NJAC Tournament.
• WP extended its win streak to eight and improved to 8-0 at home this season.
• The Pioneers are ranked 18th in this week's Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Top 25 Poll and received votes in the D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson heads to Glassboro, N.J., Saturday, Jan. 31, for a 3:00 p.m. conference game at Rowan.

 
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