JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University women's basketball team fell to Montclair State University, 76–48, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) matchup on Wednesday evening, January 7, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.
NJCU (5–5, 3–3 NJAC) shot 29.0 percent (18-of-62) from the field, including 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from three-point range, and went 7-of-12 (58.3 percent) from the free-throw line. Montclair State (9–4, 5–1 NJAC) connected on 35.7 percent (25-of-70) of its shots, shot 31.0 percent (9-of-29) from beyond the arc, and converted 17-of-23 (73.9 percent) free throws.
The Red Hawks held advantages across the stat sheet, leading in points off turnovers (28–5), second-chance points (18–11), bench points (17–8), points in the paint (28–22), and fast-break points (12–4).
Sophomore Meghan Gentile (Roseland, N.J./Immaculate Conception) led the Gothic Knights with 17 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Junior Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) added 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. Junior Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) paced NJCU on the glass with 10 rebounds while contributing eight points, one assist, and one block.
Montclair State was led by Alexis Strollo, who finished with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, one block, and a steal. Bella Bruce recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Alyssa Craigwell added 16 points, nine rebounds, and five steals. Samantha Phillip chipped in five points and eight rebounds while collecting a game-high five steals.
The opening quarter featured several lead changes. With five minutes remaining, freshman Melanie Jimenez (New York City, N.Y./Inwood Academy for Leadership) scored on a layup to tie the game at 9–9. Montclair State answered with a 7–0 run to take a 16–9 lead, its largest of the half. Postell responded late in the quarter with a three-pointer and an and-one finish to trim the deficit to 20–18. She then assisted Gentile on a three-pointer at the buzzer, pulling NJCU within one, 22–21, at the end of the first quarter.
The Red Hawks opened the second quarter on a 6–0 run and held the Gothic Knights scoreless until the 6:31 mark, when John scored on a drive to the basket to make it 28–23. NJCU continued to battle back, as a second layup by John and a three-pointer from Gentile tied the game at 28–28 with 4:01 remaining in the half. Montclair State closed the period with a 5–1 run, taking a 33–29 lead into halftime.
Montclair State seized control early in the third quarter, opening the half on an 11–4 run to claim its first double-digit advantage at 44–33. NJCU was unable to cut the deficit to single digits for the remainder of the quarter and trailed 51–38 entering the final period. Gentile led NJCU in the quarter with seven points.
The Red Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Gothic Knights 25–8 to extend their lead to as many as 30 points. Postell scored on a late layup to close out the scoring for NJCU, but Montclair State secured the 76–48 NJAC victory.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Saturday, January 10, when they travel to Wayne, N.J., to face William Paterson University at 1:00 p.m.
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, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
