JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University women's basketball team earned a 56–48 victory over Kean University in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action on Saturday, January 31, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center (JMAC).

Four Gothic Knights scored in double figures, highlighted by double-doubles from senior Bailey Cassell (Palmdale, Calif./Pete Knight) and junior Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway). NJCU improved to 8–9 overall and 6–7 in NJAC play, while Kean fell to 2–15 overall and 2–11 in conference action.

NJCU shot 31.7 percent (20-of-63) from the field, 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from three-point range, and 75.0 percent (15-of-20) from the free throw line. Kean finished shooting 29.6 percent (16-of-54) overall, 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from beyond the arc, and 73.3 percent (11-of-15) at the line.

The Gothic Knights held advantages in points off turnovers (17–6) and second-chance points (17–10), while the Cougars edged NJCU in bench points (8–4) and points in the paint (22–20). Fast-break points were even at four apiece. Kean committed 16 turnovers compared to 11 by NJCU.

Cassell recorded her first double-double of the season with 10 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. John posted her fifth double-double of the year—and second straight—finishing with 12 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Sophomore Meghan Gentile (Roseland, N.J./Immaculate Conception) led all scorers with 18 points while adding five rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Junior Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) chipped in 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Freshman Isabel Gidado (Fords, N.J./Colonia) contributed seven rebounds, four points, and a steal.

For Kean, Cara McCoy led the way with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Peyton Smith added 10 points, five rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal, while Brooke Sztenderowicz anchored the defense with seven rebounds, seven points, and an assist.

The opening quarter featured a tight battle, with neither team leading by more than one possession. Kean opened the scoring at the 7:57 mark with two free throws and carried a slim 10–8 advantage into the second quarter. Cassell led NJCU with four points in the period.

In the second quarter, John tied the game at 14–14 with a pair of free throws at 6:14. NJCU followed with an 8–0 run to take control, and Gentile capped the half with a three-pointer off a Postell assist with five seconds remaining, sending the Gothic Knights into halftime with a 27–16 lead.

Kean responded with a 15–5 run to open the third quarter, cutting the deficit to two with 3:46 remaining and briefly taking the lead on a three-pointer with 1:44 left. NJCU closed the quarter strong, using a 6–0 run—sparked by an offensive rebound and layup from John—to regain momentum and a 40–36 lead heading into the final frame.

NJCU opened the fourth quarter with an 8–0 run, fueled by baskets from John, Postell, and Gidado, extending the lead back to double digits. The Gothic Knights maintained control the rest of the way to secure the 56–48 NJAC victory.

UP NEXT:
NJCU returns to action on Wednesday, February 4, when it travels to Stockton for a 5:30 p.m. NJAC matchup.