Wayne, NJ: The William Paterson University women's basketball team defeated Ramapo College in NJAC action, 54-50. The Pioneers move to 10-5 overall and 5-3 in the NJAC while the Roadrunners now stand at 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference.
WPU took a 27-17 lead into the locker room at halftime before Ramapo came back to outscore the Pioneers 20-12 in the third quarter. Ramapo started the third on an 11-5 run started by
Bridget Cahill's jumper and capped off with a jumper from
Jackie Ventricelli to come within four, 28-32, with 4:25 on the clock. WPU would lead 35-29 before
Carley Martin sank a pair of free throws to start a mini 6-0 run capped off with a jumper from Ventricelli to tie the game at 35 with under 1:50 on the clock in the third. Brianna Smith sank a jumper for WPU before
Karly Wittenbauer tied the game at 37 with a jumper of her own with 39 seconds remaining. The Pioneers took a two point lead into the fourth quarter on a pair of free throws from Renee Wells, 39-37.
In the fourth quarter, Ramapo tied the game at 39 with a layup from Martin before WPU went on a 6-1 run to take a 46-40 lead. The Roadrunners would score back-to-back baskets from Ventricelli and Martin to come within two. Justina Cabezas sank a jumper and Allison McBride converted on a free throw to take a five point lead, 49-44, with 1:07 on the clock. With 15 seconds on the clock WPU would lead by seven, 52-45, before Ramapo would shrink the lead to just three with nine second remaining on a jumper from
Jada Thompson. WPU converted on one of two free throws with three seconds remaining to hold onto the 54-50 NJAC win.
WPU was led by Justina Cabezas who led all scorers with 22 points while she added ten rebounds. Yakira Rosa, Brianna Smith and Renee Wells each collected eight points while Wells collected a team high 11 rebounds. The Pioneers shot 26% (18-67) from the field in the game and 66% (18-27) from the free throw line while they did not make a three pointer (0-9).
Ventricelli led the Roadrunners with 12 points while she grabbed seven rebounds and two steals. Martin posted 11 points while Cahill added seven points.
Shannon Burns pulled down a team high eight rebounds and two blocks along with three points. The Roadrunners shot 30% (20-66) from the field, 17% (3-17) from the three-point line and 53% (7-13) from the free throw line. The Ramapo defense forced 13 WPU turnovers which led to eight points for the Roadrunners.
The Roadrunners will host the College of New Jersey in a key NJAC conference game on Saturday, January 14th at 3pm at the Bradley Center.
