Bethlehem, PA...  The College of New Jersey women's basketball team (5-2) was defeated by a talented Moravian College squad (6-2) on Monday night in a non-conference contest by a final score of 79-73. The Lions had won their previous five games. Jen Byrne (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) scored a game-high 27 points.

The Greyhounds opened the game on a 6-1 stretch in the first minute and a half. The remainder of the opening period the two teams traded baskets, and the largest lead from either team was three points after the opening run from the Greyhounds. Byrne scored early and often, as she put up nine points in the first quarter including two three pointers. 

 The Greyhounds came out strong in the second quarter and built their lead to 32-21 with under five minutes remaining, however the Lions clawed back with a 9-1 run to pull within four. After taking a 40-30 lead into halftime, the Greyhounds controlled the third quarter to grab a fifteen point advantage. The Lions did not allow the game to escape them, as they went into the fourth quarter down 59-51. 

With just under four minutes remaining, the Lions were down 68-59, but they refused to go down quietly. Shannon Devitt (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) hit a lay-up, and in the next possession Charlotte Schum (East Hanover, NJ/Morris Catholic) hit a three pointer to pull the Lions within six. Schum hit a lay-up to cut the lead to four with two minutes left in regulation. Kate O'Leary (Trumbull, CT/Trumbull) hit a three pointer to cut the lead to 74-71 with :37 seconds left, however the Greyhounds hit the free throws to hold onto the win.

Byrne continued to be an offensive force as this is her fourth 20+ point game this season. She was locked in from the field, as she shot an astounding 10-12 (83%) and 5-6 from the free throw line. Schum added 15 points and registered three steals on the defensive end. Devitt added 10 points and shot 5-8 (62%) from the floor. 

The Lions defense forced 20 turnovers which turned into 21 points on the offensive end.

The Lions will return to action on Wednesday, December 6th when they will travel to Rowan University for a New Jersey Athletic Conference match-up.