NEW HAVEN, CT. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's basketball team claimed a hard-fought 73-65 victory over Albertus Magnus College behind standout performances from sophomore guard Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter), sophomore forward Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway), and double-double efforts from senior guard Destiny Battle (East Orange, N.J./East Orange STEM Academy) and sophomore forward Kendra Rigo (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic).

The Gothic Knights (1-1) shot 44.6% from the field, an impressive 61.5% from beyond the arc, and 70% from the free throw line. NJCU dominated multiple facets of the game, tallying 32 points in the paint, 15 second-chance points, and 16 points off turnovers. The team's bench contributed significantly, outscoring Albertus Magnus' bench 27-4. Although Albertus Magnus (0-1) held the advantage in fast-break points (16-15), NJCU's efficiency in the half-court set and controlled transition play were key in maintaining their lead. The Falcons shot 40.7% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free throw line.

Postell led the charge for NJCU with a career-high 20 points, including six three-pointers, while also adding six rebounds. She shot an efficient 70% from the field and 75% from deep. John, who also had an efficient performance, finished with 16 points and five rebounds, shooting an impressive 88.9% from the field. Battle notched her first double-double of the season, contributing 12 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. Rigo secured her first career double-double, tallying 12 points, 11 rebounds, and one block.

The game opened with both teams exchanging baskets, but it was Postell's hot shooting that sparked NJCU into a commanding lead. At the 6:13 mark in the first quarter, Postell drained a three-pointer to tie the game at nine, igniting a 16-0 run for the Gothic Knights. Postell was particularly hot from beyond the arc, hitting four consecutive three-pointers during the run. NJCU finished the first quarter with an impressive 29-14 advantage, shooting 78.57% from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range.

In the second quarter, NJCU continued to build on their momentum. A steal and a jumper by Rigo at the 8:24 mark extended the lead to 20 points, 34-14. Albertus Magnus struggled to get within 15 points of NJCU for much of the quarter, with John leading the charge offensively, scoring 10 of her 16 points in the period. By halftime, NJCU had built a comfortable 48-29 lead.

Coming out of the locker room, Albertus Magnus displayed renewed energy and made a strong push, fueled by a 17-7 run to start the third quarter. The Falcons cut the deficit to single digits, 55-46, with a series of timely baskets. A jumper by Battle and a layup by junior guard Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception) helped the Gothic Knights regain a double-digit lead, but Albertus Magnus answered with a three-pointer and a free throw, closing the gap to 59-50 by the end of the third period.

The final quarter saw Albertus Magnus continue to battle back. A three-pointer at the 5:54 mark sparked a 6-0 run that brought the Falcons within three points, 66-63. However, Kelley responded with a tough basket in the paint to push the lead back to two possessions, 68-63. With under two minutes remaining, junior guard Olivia Wooten's (East Orange, N.J./Immaculate Conception) three-pointer extended the lead to eight points, 71-63. Battle remained composed in the final moments, sinking crucial free throws to seal the 73-65 victory for NJCU.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights head to Scranton on Saturday, Nov. 16 for a 3:00 p.m. non-conference game.