STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's basketball team played a non-conference game on Tuesday afternoon with an 86-39 setback against Division I Wagner College at the Spiro Sports Center Athletic Complex. NJCU moves to 4-4 overall, while Wagner improved to 4-7 on the season in its home opener.

NJCU shot 20.4 percent (11-for-54) from the field, including 15.4 percent (4-for-26) from three-point range, while converting 13-of-21 free-throw attempts (61.9 percent). Wagner shot efficiently, finishing at 48.1 percent (37-for-77) from the field, 25.0 percent (6-for-24) from beyond the arc, and 46.2 percent (6-for-13) at the foul line.

Wagner held decisive advantages across the stat sheet, controlling points off turnovers (32-8), second-chance points (24-2), bench scoring (47-0), points in the paint (56-12), and fast-break points (13-2). 

Sophomore Meghan Gentile (Roseland, N.J./Immaculate Conception) led NJCU with 17 points and four rebounds, shooting a season-best 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. Junior Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) added 10 points, two rebounds, and a steal, while junior Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) delivered a strong effort on the glass with 14 rebounds to go along with eight points, a steal, and a block. Sophomore Dasani Talley Dorman (Camden, N.J./Woodbury Junior-Senior) recorded four steals on the defensive end. Junior Bailey Cassel contributed three assists, and freshman Isabel Gidado (Fords, N.J./Colonia) grabbed a season-high seven rebounds.

Wagner showcased its depth with six players scoring in double figures. Irene Fernandez de Caleya, Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor, and Alivia Landon each scored 12 points. Modesayor also completed a double-double with 12 rebounds. Fernandez de Caleya filled the stat sheet with 12 points, a game-high six assists, and eight rebounds. Hawa Balde-Camara added 10 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Priscila Varela chipped in nine points, four steals, and four assists.

NJCU jumped out to an early lead, scoring four points on back-to-back layups by John to take a 4-2 advantage in the opening minutes. Wagner quickly responded, closing the first quarter on a 17-1 run to take a 19-7 lead after one.

The Seahawks continued to build momentum in the second quarter, opening the period with 17 consecutive points to extend the lead to 36-7 with 2:01 remaining. Gidado ended NJCU's scoring drought with a free throw at the 1:39 mark, but Wagner closed the half on a 6-0 run to enter the locker room with a 42-8 advantage.

NJCU showed resilience coming out of halftime, turning in its most productive offensive quarter in the third. Gentile scored 12 of the Gothic Knights' 18 points in the period, with additional contributions from Postell, John, and Cassel. Despite the improved scoring, Wagner matched the effort with 21 points of its own to maintain a 63-26 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Gentile and Postell combined for 13 points, but Wagner continued to find success offensively, scoring 23 points in the period to extend the margin and secure the 86-39 victory.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Saturday, Jan. 3, when they host Albertus Magnus in a non-conference matchup at 1:00 p.m. inside the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.