JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University women's basketball team fell to Brooklyn College, 89–66, in a non-conference matchup on Thursday evening, February 6, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.
The Gothic Knights (8-13, 6-8 NJAC) shot 31.8 percent (21-of-66) from the field, including 13.6 percent (3-of-22) from three-point range, while converting 95.5 percent (21-of-22) from the free throw line. Brooklyn (18-3, 10-0 CUNYAC) connected on 39.2 percent (29-of-74) of its shots, knocked down 46.7 percent (14-of-30) from beyond the arc, and shot 73.9 percent (17-of-23) at the charity stripe.
NJCU held advantages in several hustle categories, including second-chance points (14-11), points in the paint (32-22), and fast-break points (18-15). Brooklyn capitalized on its depth and ball movement, outscoring the Gothic Knights in bench points (36-19) and points off turnovers (23-15).
Junior Autumn John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) led NJCU with her sixth double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. She added 13 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Junior Na'tori Postell (Passaic, N.J./Passaic Arts & Science Charter) followed with 16 points and nine rebounds, along with an assist, a block, and a steal. Sophomore Meghan Gentile (Roseland, N.J./Immaculate Conception) scored 15 points while adding three rebounds and two steals, and senior Bailey Cassell (Palmdale, Calif./Pete Knight) recorded a career-high 14 rebounds to go with seven points, three assists, and a steal.
Brooklyn was paced by Anna Kitch, who scored 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range, while adding four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Ameea Daniel contributed 15 points, going 7-of-8 from the free throw line, and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds with three steals. Brianna Jackson posted 17 points, dished out a game-high six assists, and added four rebounds and two steals.
The Bulldogs controlled the game from the opening tip, using a 15-5 run to build a 17-7 lead midway through the first quarter. Gentile connected on a three-pointer with 1:04 remaining to pull NJCU within two possessions at 19-14, but Brooklyn closed the quarter on a 5-0 spurt to take a 24-14 lead after one. Gentile led NJCU with six points in the opening frame, while John added four.
NJCU opened the second quarter with six straight points from Gentile, Cassell, and Dasani Talley Dorman (Camden, N.J./Woodbury Junior-Senior) to cut the deficit to 24-20. Brooklyn quickly responded with a 12-2 run to regain a commanding advantage, extending the lead to 36-22 with 2:38 remaining in the half. A late layup allowed the Bulldogs to head into halftime with a 38-24 lead.
Brooklyn continued its momentum into the third quarter, using an 8-0 run to stretch its lead to 51-28 at the 8:31 mark. The Gothic Knights answered with a 9-0 run, highlighted by five consecutive points from John, to cut the deficit to 51-37 with under five minutes remaining. Brooklyn answered back, reclaiming a 20-point lead on a three-pointer with 1:44 left and closing the quarter with free throws following a technical foul and a buzzer-beating layup to take a 73-47 advantage. John scored 10 points in the quarter to lead NJCU.
The Gothic Knights opened the fourth quarter with a 10-3 run, sparked by five points from Talley Dorman, trimming the deficit to 76-57. NJCU was unable to get any closer, as Brooklyn maintained control down the stretch and secured the 89-66 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Saturday, February 7 as they host William Paterson University for a 1:00 p.m. New Jersey Athletic Conference matchup.
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