JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's basketball team had a triumphant Senior Night, defeating Rutgers-Camden 63-56 on Feb. 19 at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. The win was not only significant for the Gothic Knights in terms of conference play, but it also marked an emotional evening as the team honored their senior players: Na'tyah Postell,
Carissa Reyes (Jersey City, N.J./Snyder),
Destiny Battle (East Orange, N.J./East Orange STEM Academy), and
Olivia Wooten (East Orange, N.J./Immaculate Conception). This victory propelled NJCU to a 9-9 record in the NJAC and a 10-15 overall record, while Rutgers-Camden dropped to 9-16 overall and 5-13 in the NJAC.
From the start, NJCU controlled the game with strong defense and timely scoring. After a quiet first few minutes, Reyes got the team on the board with a jumper, assisted by fellow Wooten. The Gothic Knights went on a 12-0 run led by sophomore
Kendra Rigo (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), whose jumper fueled the momentum, and helped NJCU extend their lead to 16-5. By the end of the first quarter, they were firmly in control with a 19-5 advantage, largely thanks to solid performances from Battle and Reyes, who accounted for 14 of the team's points. Rigo's dominance on the boards was also a key factor, as she grabbed seven rebounds in the opening period alone.
As the game continued, the teams traded baskets in the second quarter, but NJCU maintained their lead, finishing the half ahead 27-14. Despite struggling with three-point shooting, going 0-for-8 in the second quarter, the Gothic Knights were efficient in other areas, particularly on defense and rebounding. Battle and Reyes led the charge offensively, with nine points apiece in the first half.
Rutgers-Camden tried to mount a comeback in the second half. In the third quarter, they managed to cut the deficit to single digits with a jumper by Underwood, but NJCU quickly responded with a basket from Wooten to regain a double-digit lead. However, Rutgers-Camden's free-throw shooting helped them stay within striking distance, and by the end of the quarter, the score was 41-34, with the Scarlet Raptors closing the gap.
The game remained competitive in the fourth quarter, with Rutgers-Camden cutting the score to 49-44 after a 5-0 run. However, NJCU answered back with key baskets from
Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception) and Battle, pushing the lead back to 54-44 with 5:50 left. Despite a late surge from Rutgers-Camden, which brought the score to 61-56 with 23.9 seconds remaining, NJCU's defense held firm. Reyes sealed the win with a career-high 11 points, including a critical layup in the final moments, ensuring the Gothic Knights' victory.
Individually, Battle and Rigo both had standout performances. Battle finished with 16 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Rigo added 16 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. Reyes, in addition to her 11 points, contributed eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Wooten also had a significant impact, collecting a career-high nine rebounds, along with five assists and three steals. On the defensive end, Na'tyah Postell had a career-high three steals, while Kelley recorded four steals to help stifle Rutgers-Camden's offense.
For Rutgers-Camden, Courtney Edmundo led the way with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Rahzirah Blocker added 12 points and six rebounds. Aiya Underwood also contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards.
As the Gothic Knights look ahead to their next matchup, they will face a tough challenge in the #3 seed William Paterson on February 22 in the opening round of the NJAC playoffs.
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.
