JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University women's basketball team fell in overtime to Rowan University, 81-69, on Saturday, January 24, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.
The Gothic Knights (6-11, 4-7 NJAC) shot 31.9 percent (22-for-69) from the field, including 33.3 percent (6-for-18) from three-point range, and converted 76 percent (19-for-25) of their free throws. The Profs (10-7, 7-4 NJAC) finished the game shooting 37.5 percent (24-for-64) overall, 30 percent (6-for-20) from beyond the arc, and an efficient 87.1 percent (27-for-31) from the free throw line.
Sophomore Meghan Gentile (Roseland, N.J./Immaculate Conception) led NJCU with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-24 shooting, adding three rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Junior Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) contributed 20 points, including 13 from the free throw line, along with four rebounds and one assist. Junior Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) and senior Bailey Cassell (Palmdale, Calif./Pete Knight) each pulled down a team-high nine rebounds. Cassell added three points and a team-best three assists, while John finished with 14 points, two assists, one block, and one steal. Sophomore Dasani Talley Dorman (Camden, N.J./Woodbury Junior-Senior) recorded a game-high five steals to go with seven rebounds, two points, one assist, and one block.
Rowan was paced by Haley Selmer, who scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Emily Poulas knocked down three three-pointers on her way to nine points. Abigail Jazmin added 14 points, nine of which came from the free throw line, and led the team with five assists while also collecting four rebounds. Charlotte Carlies finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, and Megan Donelson added seven rebounds, two assists, two points, and one block.
Gentile gave NJCU an early 9-7 advantage with 4:43 remaining in the first quarter. After a three-minute scoring drought for both teams, Rowan tied the game at nine. The score was knotted again at 11 before the Profs closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to take their largest lead of the period, 17-13. Postell ended the quarter by drawing a shooting foul and converting one free throw, trimming the deficit to 17-14. Gentile led the Gothic Knights with seven first-quarter points, while Rowan shot 46.7 percent (7-for-15) compared to NJCU's 31.3 percent (5-for-16).
Gentile opened the second quarter by tying the game just 15 seconds in, drilling a three-pointer off an assist from John. Postell later gave NJCU the lead at the 4:27 mark by knocking down both free throws, making it 25-23. The Gothic Knights maintained their advantage into halftime, leading 30-27. Gentile and freshman Isabel Gidado (Fords, N.J./Colonia) combined for 10 points in the quarter. At the break, NJCU had capitalized with 13 points off turnovers and seven second-chance points.
Rowan edged NJCU 19-17 in the third quarter, cutting the Gothic Knights' lead to 47-46 heading into the final period. Postell scored nine points in the quarter, while Gentile added eight to help NJCU hold onto its slim advantage.
The Profs opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer to regain the lead, 49-47, and held the advantage for most of the period. John tied the game at 61 with a driving layup with 1:19 remaining. Cassell then put NJCU ahead by one with a free throw, but Rowan responded by converting two free throws to take a 63-62 lead with 34 seconds left. Following a timeout by head coach Pat Devaney Sr., NJCU ran a set that resulted in John drawing a foul on a drive to the basket. She made one of two free throws with 29 seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime tied at 63.
Momentum shifted decisively in the extra period as Rowan limited NJCU to just two made field goals, both from beyond the arc by John. The Profs outscored the Gothic Knights 18-6 in overtime, while NJCU lost starters Gentile and Gidado to fouls. Rowan sealed the victory by converting 12 of 13 free throws in overtime to secure the 81-69 NJAC win.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Wednesday, January 24, when they travel to Newark, N.J., to face Rutgers-Newark. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University Athletics, visit NJCUgothicknights.com and follow the Gothic Knights on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
