EWING, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's basketball team faced a heartbreaking 56-55 loss to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Packer Hall.

Despite a valiant effort throughout the game, the Gothic Knights (9-15, 8-9 NJAC) couldn't secure the victory, even as they outperformed TCNJ (19-5, 15-2 NJAC) in certain areas. NJCU shot 32.1% (17-53) from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 10% (1-10) of their three-point attempts. However, they were solid at the free-throw line, finishing at an impressive 87% (20-23). In contrast, TCNJ's shooting was even more challenging, as they posted a field goal percentage of 26.6% (17-64) and made only 21.4% (6-28) from three-point range. However, TCNJ was more efficient from the charity stripe, making 16 of their 23 free throws for 69.6%.

Although NJCU led in fast break points (12-4), TCNJ dominated in other key statistical categories. The Lions outscored the Gothic Knights in points off turnovers (12-8), second-chance points (10-6), bench points (15-5), and points in the paint (20-16).

Senior guard Destiny Battle (East Orange, N.J./East Orange STEM Academy), delivered a standout performance, recording a game-high 17 points (5-12) along with three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Battle was particularly effective at the free-throw line, contributing seven of her 17 points from the charity stripe. Sophomore forward Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) added 10 points (5-10) and six rebounds, while fellow sophomore Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) posted nine points and a season-high seven rebounds. On the defensive side, sophomore forward Kendra Rigo (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) played a crucial role, pulling down a game-high nine rebounds and adding eight points and a season-high four blocks. Rigo and Postell combined for perfect free-throw shooting, going 6-for-6 and 5-for-5, respectively.

For TCNJ, Jaclyn Feit led the Lions with 10 points and nine rebounds, while also contributing three blocks and a steal. Nina Branchizio also scored 10 points, along with two steals. Arianna McCleod contributed four points and nine rebounds, alongside two steals, helping the Lions control the boards.

The game began with a tight first quarter, as both teams struggled offensively. With the score tied at 8-8, Branchizio sparked a critical 8-0 run for TCNJ, hitting three consecutive free throws, which gave the Lions an 18-10 lead at the end of the quarter. The momentum shifted early in the second quarter, as TCNJ quickly built a double-digit lead, and by the four-minute mark, they were ahead 21-15. NJCU responded with back-to-back free throws from Rigo to cut the lead to four, followed by another two free throws from her, making it a 21-17 game.

With just over a minute remaining in the first half, NJCU found a rhythm offensively when Battle hit a jumper in the paint, giving the Gothic Knights their first lead since early in the first quarter at 25-24. However, TCNJ quickly answered, reclaiming the lead and taking a 28-25 advantage into the halftime break. Notably, 11 of NJCU's 15 points in the second quarter came from free throws.

In the third quarter, NJCU continued to fight, and at the 6:49 mark, Postell scored an and-one to spark a 7-0 run, giving the Gothic Knights their largest lead of the game at 36-30. However, TCNJ responded with a run of their own to reclaim the lead, and with five seconds remaining in the quarter, NJCU regained the advantage 42-40 on a three-pointer by junior guard Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception). Kelley extended the Gothic Knights' lead to 51-44 with a clutch free throw at the 6:01 mark of the fourth quarter, but TCNJ continued to apply pressure and regained the lead at 54-53 with just 2:49 remaining.

With 2:20 left, Postell was fouled and hit two free throws to give NJCU a narrow 55-54 lead. However, TCNJ closed the game with two free throws, taking a 56-55 lead, and the Gothic Knights could not respond in the final moments, sealing the win for the Lions.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 19, against Rutgers-Camden at 5:30 p.m., celebrating Senior Night as well.

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.