Newark, NJ … The College of New Jersey women's basketball team picked up a critical road victory as they defeated Rutgers-Newark, 59-47 on Wednesday night in New Jersey Athletic Conference action.
 
The win evened the Lions record at 7-7 overall and 4-4 in the conference. It was their second straight NJAC victory on the road. The Scarlet Raiders dropped to 5-10 and 3-5 in the league standings.
 
TCNJ dominated the battle under the boards as they out-rebounded Rutgers-Newark 51-23 on the night, which led to 10 second chance points. The Lions also capitalized from the free throw line, draining 14-of-15 foul shots.
 
Junior Nikki Schott (Washington, NJ/Warren Hills) was a force at both ends of the floor, scoring a game-high 17 points and 11 rebounds for her second straight double-double. Sophomore Kate O'Leary (Trumbull, CT/Trumbull) added eight points and a game-high seven assists, and rookie Christine Woods (River Edge, NJ/River Dell) netted eight points and grabbed six boards.
 
The Lions never trailed in the game. They jumped out to a 13-2 lead as Schott scored eight points in the first five minutes. The Scarlet Raiders fought their way back, and by the end of the opening half, trailed just 25-23.
 
TCNJ junior Charlotte Schum (East Hanover, NJ/Morris Catholic) drilled a three-pointer on the opening possession of the third quarter and that sparked a 10-2 run. O'Leary hit a jumper and senior Kim Dana (Freehold, NJ/Freehold Twp.) followed with a bucket from downtown. Schott knocked down a pair of free throws and the Lions led 35-25.
 
The lead grew to 14 points midway through the fourth quarter when O'Leary converted a conventional three-point play with 5:15 remaining. The Scarlet Raiders did draw within seven points with 3:10 left, but free downs the stretch sealed the road triumph.
 
Chiara Palombi (Manasquan, NJ/Manasquan) collected a season-high 10 rebounds and also scored five points. Schum and Amato each finished with seven points.
 
The Lions return to Packer Hall on Saturday afternoon when they take on undefeated Montclair State University at 1 p.m.