WAYNE, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's basketball team faced a challenging defeat against William Paterson on Saturday, February 8th, losing 69-61 in a crucial NJAC matchup at the Sports and Recreation Center.
NJCU (9-13, 8-7 NJAC) shot 35.5% from the field (22-62), 30% from three-point range (3-10), and 66.7% from the free-throw line (14-21). William Paterson (15-7, 11-4 NJAC) was much more efficient, shooting 49.1% from the field (27-55) and 38.5% from beyond the arc (5-13). Although the Pioneers struggled slightly at the free-throw line, converting just 55.6% (10-18), their overall shooting percentage and balanced scoring attack helped them pull ahead.
One of the biggest advantages for the Pioneers was their ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. They outscored NJCU 8-6 in second-chance points and managed to convert more points in the paint (32-30). Additionally, the Pioneers had a slight edge in bench points (14-11). NJCU found some success in fast-break points, winning that category 8-6, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Pioneers' offensive efficiency. Both teams were evenly matched in points off turnovers, each scoring 15 points in that area.
Sophomore forward
Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) was a standout for NJCU, finishing the game with 14 points on 6-for-14 shooting, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. She also added five rebounds and two blocks to her performance. Senior guard
Destiny Battle (East Orange, N.J./East Orange STEM Academy) contributed 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Junior guard
Tahirah Kelley (Linden, N.J./Immaculate Conception) also had a solid game, scoring 10 points along with two rebounds and two assists. On the defensive side, sophomore guard
Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) made her mark by grabbing a season-high seven rebounds and setting a career high with four steals, in addition to scoring eight points.
For William Paterson, the game was all about the dominant performance of Patty Walsh. She led all scorers with 26 points, shooting an efficient 11-for-15 from the field. Walsh also grabbed eight rebounds, recorded two blocks, and added a steal. Renee Wells and Brianna Smith also contributed significantly to the Pioneers' success, combining for 22 points. Wells added a game-high nine rebounds to her stat line. Mattison Chiera, the team's primary facilitator, tallied six assists, two steals, and three rebounds, further contributing to the Pioneers' balanced effort.
The game got off to a fast start, with William Paterson opening on a 6-0 run, including four quick points from Walsh. NJCU responded with a 6-0 run of their own, sparked by Battle's playmaking, which tied the game at 5:44 in the first quarter. However, the Pioneers gained their first double-digit lead at 25-13 with a three-pointer from Smith in the final minute of the first quarter, and they held that lead going into the second quarter. The second period saw a more even match, but William Paterson ended the half with a 42-30 advantage.
Coming out of halftime, NJCU showed signs of life as Kelley found John in the corner for a three-pointer that cut the deficit to 42-33. However, the Gothic Knights struggled to stay within single digits, and late in the third quarter, Postell's fast-break layup, following a steal, narrowed the gap to 55-47 with just 15 seconds left in the period. Unfortunately, NJCU couldn't contain Walsh, who scored eight straight points in the final quarter, putting the game out of reach and sealing the Pioneers' 69-61 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Wednesday, February 12, as they host Montclair State at 5:30 p.m. at 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.
