WAYNE, N.J. – The No. 23/17 William Paterson women's basketball team (25-1, 18-0 NJAC) earned a spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament championship after securing a 67-57 victory over Stockton (16-11, 12-6 NJAC) in the semifinals Feb. 26 at the Sports and Recreation Center.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Stockton built a double-digit lead (28-17) with 5:35 left in the second quarter after opening the frame on an 11-4 run.
• The Pioneers turned to senior Renee Wells (Leonardo, N.J./Middletown South) and she delivered, compiling 11 points on 4-of-6 (.667) shooting over the final 4:54 of the half to pull WP within three (31-28).
• WP took a 46-40 lead at the end of the third after outscoring Stockton, 18-9, and limiting the Ospreys to just three made shots from the field on 12 attempts in the quarter.
• With 7:09 left to play, Stockton went on a 10-2 run to make it a four-point game (56-52). However, Wells poured in seven unanswered points to put the Pioneers ahead by 11 (63-52) with 45 seconds remaining. 
• WP iced the game at the foul line and claimed the 67-57 tournament win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Wells led the way, finishing with a game-high 29 points and a season-best 13 rebounds for her second double-double of the year.
• Senior Luna Kirby (Leola, Pa./Linden Hall School for Girls) shot 5-of-8 (.625) from the field and 3-of-6 (.500) from deep for a 16-point performance.
• Junior Mattison Chiera (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals.
• Senior Patty Walsh (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) reeled in six boards while adding five blocks.
• Junior Jada Jacobs (Mount Laurel, N.J./Medford Tech) tallied eight assists, eight rebounds, three steals and two points.
• The Pioneers advanced to the NJAC Tournament title game for the first time since the 2012-13 campaign.
• WP extended its win streak to 15.
• The Pioneers are ranked 17th in this week's Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Top 25 Poll and 23rd in the D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson and The College of New Jersey will square off for the NJAC Tournament title on Sunday, March 1, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sports and Recreation Center.

 
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