Ewing, NJ …The College of New Jersey women's basketball team registered another clutch victory as they defeated Rowan University 57-49 on Wednesday night in Packer Hall.
 
The Lions improved to 11-10 overall and 6-8 in the NJAC. It marked the second straight game TCNJ defeated a conference opponent that sits above them in the standings. The Profs (15-6, 10-4 NJAC) stood in third place entering the night, while the Lions rest in the seven-spot. The triumph not only helps TCNJ in the win/loss column, but is also of value in potential tie-breaker scenarios at season's end.
 
It was a battle from start to finish as both teams struggled with their shooting touch. Play was intense on both sides, but a 16-0 run over the last 6:15 of the opening half was the major difference in the match-up.
 
Seniors Jessica Goldbach (Edison, NJ/John P. Stevens) and Kylie O'Donnell (Magnolia, NJ/Sterling) put forth gutty effort for TCNJ in the win. Goldbach produced a game-high 15 points and also compiled eight rebounds. O'Donnell finished with 14 points and five assists, while junior Christina Merlin (Bishop Ahr, NJ/North Brunswick) grabbed a team-high 11 boards.
 
Junior Kate Matthews (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) led Rowan with 12 points and nine rebounds. Senior Bria Hill (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City) added nine point and five boards, while sophomore Anyssa Sanchez (Stratford, NJ/Sterling) added seven points and six boards.
 
The Lions held a 25-20 lead at the intermission. After Rowan's Melissa Lake (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) hit a jumper to put the Profs up 20-9, TCNJ took over the floor. O'Donnell spearheaded the flurry with the final eight points of the period. She also had a pair of assists and a steal during the stretch. Rowan struggled offensively with 11 turnovers and shot just 28 percent from the floor.
 
TCNJ continued its momentum into the second half. They outscored the Profs 10-5 in the opening four minutes to increase their lead to double digits. Rowan put on a full-court press, but it led to a number of easy buckets for the Lions as their lead grew to as large as 13 points.
 
The Profs worked their way back into the contest, continuing to apply pressure and mounted 14-4 run. Matthews played a big role, using her size and agility underneath to manufacture baskets and rebounds. The outside shooting game, however, plagued Rowan as they hit just 2-of-21 shot attempts from behind the arc..
 
Senior Kelly Coughlin (Trumbull, CT/Trumbull) gave TCNJ some breathing room when she converted a conventional three-point play. That gave the Lions a 49-43 advantage with 3:37 to play.
 
Hill finally connected from downtown to cut the Prof deficit to 51-48 with 1:22 remaining in the game. Rowan missed its last six shots, however, while Coughlin, O'Donnell and junior guard Angelica Esposito (Lincroft, NJ/St. John Vianney)  knocked down six straight free throws to cap the victory.
 
The Lions visit New Jersey City University on Saturday for a 5 p.m. contest. The Profs host Kean University on Saturday at 8 p.m.