Mahwah, NJ: The Red Hawks of Montclair State University earned a key NJAC victory on the road today over Ramapo College, 70-65. Montclair State advances to 10-7 overall, 8-4 in the NJAC while the Roadrunners stand at 7-8 overall, 6-6 in the NJAC.
Ramapo jumped to an eight-point lead after a 10-0 run capped off by a three-point shot from
Olivia Johnstone with 4:29 left to play in the first quarter as they led, 14-6. Montclair answered back, netting eight points in just 1:15 of play, with a three-pointer from Trisha Peterson tying the game at 16.
Bridget Cahill netted the final points of the quarter with a three-pointer, 19-16. The two teams traded baskets until
Alison Ahern scored back-to-back jump shots giving the Roadrunners a four-point advantage. The Red Hawks answered back scoring nine points to Ramapo's two in the final two minutes of play, as MSU went into the locker room with the three-point lead, 30-27.
The Roadrunners regained the lead in the second half netting seven points in 1:41 of play, capped off by a pair of free throws from Cahill, 36-35. The Red Hawks then had six free throws of their own to take a 41-36 lead. Montclair went on a seven point run, behind five points from Megan Duffy, stretching their lead to 11 with 1:57 left in the third quarter. Cahill would then net a pair of free throws sparking a 7-1 run for the Roadrunners, capped off by a three-pointer at the buzzer from Cahill, 44-49. The Roadrunners would continue into the final quarter of play with back-to-back jump shots from Allie Wickersheim and
Jada Thompson to bring the team within one, 48-49. Montclair stretched their lead back to seven by scoring nine points to Ramapo's three in the next 2:41 of play, 58-51. A three-point shot from Cahill with 1:33 on the clock brought the Roadrunners within three points, 60-63. Montclair went on to outscore the Roadrunners in the final 1:27 of play to take home the win, 70-65.
The Roadrunners were led by Thompson who nearly recorded a triple-double. The reigning NJAC Rookie of the Week tallied 10 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists.
Jackie Ventricelli led the team with 20 points while Cahill added 15. Ramapo was 19-56 (34%) from the field, 7-22 (32%) from beyond the three-point line, and 20-24 (83%) from the free throw line.
The Red Hawks were led by Nickie Carter who recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Duffy netted 13 points while Peterson recorded 12. MSU shot 23-61 (38%) from the field, 9-22 (41%) from beyond the three-point line, and 15-26 (58%) from the free-throw line.
The Roadrunners return to action Saturday, January 29th when they host Kean University for a 1pm New Jersey Athletic Conference match-up.
