MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The New Jersey City University women's basketball team, coming off its most recent New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) victory against Rowan University this past Wednesday, Feb. 9, secured another victory today, Saturday, Feb. 12, against the Montclair State University Red Hawks. NJCU now moves to fifth place in the NJAC overall conference standings heading into the final week of regular season play. 

After leading by five points at halftime, the squad never looked back, defeating the Red Hawks (14-8, 12-5 NJAC), 59-55. NJCU (9-8, 8-9 NJAC) was led by junior captain Laney Fox (Parkland, Fla./Cardinal Gibbons), who finished with a team-high 22 points and fellow captain, sophomore Damaris Rodriguez (Secaucus, N.J./Secaucus), who tallied 15 points and 10 boards – here third consecutive double-double and sixth of the season. This was the first-ever regular season victory for the Green and Gold in Montclair, N.J.

NJCU got off to a blazing start (8-0 run), led by Fox, who hit back-to-back long three-pointers and a turnaround jump shot to give the Knights the early lead. In the first quarter, Fox was responsible for 11 of the 13 points. The Hawks fought throughout the quarter, cutting the Gothic Knight lead to only two points.

An early and-one basket for freshman forward Liyah Allen (Hillside, N.J./Hillside), a layup by junior center Jimmirah Johnson (Prospect Park, N.J./International) and a bucket by Rodriguez gave the squad its largest lead of the first half (seven) with seven minutes remaining until the break. After an 8-3 run by the Red Hawks midway through the second, junior guard Jada Camacho (Jersey City, N.J./Dickinson) joined in on the scoring affair with a layup of her own to keep the lead. MSU captured a late basket, making the score 27-22, heading into the final 20 minutes of play. 

After the break, the squad turned to their captains in the third quarter for leadership and scoring. 

Fox started the second half with a bucket of her own, followed by another Rodriguez bucket. This was the story for the third quarter, as the two leaders for the NJCU women's basketball program scored all 11 points for the Green and Gold in the quarter. The squad captured its largest lead of the game at the five-minute mark in the third, following Fox splashing a three-pointer. But, Montclair State did not go away easily, still trailing the Knights 38-33 heading into the fourth quarter. 

To start the fourth, MSU went on a run, cutting the lead down to one point with only seven minutes to play. NJCU secured buckets from Allen, Fox and freshman guard Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception) to keep the distance from the Hawks. Montclair battled along, however, and captured three consecutive baskets to take its first lead of the game with just two minutes left.

NJCU found another hero tonight, and it wasn't the regaining All-America selection or two-time NJAC Player of the Week. 

Camacho hit the go-ahead jumper with 1:46 left to take a one-point lead. This is all the Gothic Knights needed, finishing the game on a 8-4 run to win the game 59-55.

Highlights:
- The squad was led by Fox, who added eight rebounds to her team-high scoring total.
- Rodriguez, as mentioned, finished with another double-double.
- The late-moment hero of the game, Camacho finished her night with 10 points and seven boards.
- In the middle, Johnson secured team-high 11 rebounds, along with seven points to end her night.

Up Next:
The Green and Gold will have a quick turn around as they return to the court this Monday, Feb. 14, for a non-conference matchup against #11 Amherst College. This clash is set to tip-off at 6:00 p.m. in Amherst, Mass.