Glassboro, NJ… The College of New Jersey women's basketball team (10-10, 7-7 NJAC) used an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to defeat Rowan University (13-8, 7-7 NJAC) 56-53 Wednesday night. The win moves the Lions in a three-way tie with the Profs and Rutgers University-Camden for the final two spots in the New Jersey Athletic Conference playoffs.

The Lions got off to a hot start, scoring the game's first five points courtesy of a Chiara Palombi (Manasquan, NJ / Manasquan) jumper and a triple from Kate O'Leary (Trumbull, CT / Trumbull). The Lions clung to a 14-13 lead at the end of the first. Palombi finished tied with a game high 13-points and a game-high eight rebounds.

The Profs went on a 6-0 run of their own early in the second quarter to gain a 21-16 advantage. The Lions remained within striking distance during the remainder of the half, despite Rowan's continued shooting from behind the arc. Rowan finished 3-7 (42.9%) from long range in the second quarter, but just 6-25 (24.0%) for the game, helping the Profs to a 29-24 halftime lead.

Both teams continued to battle through the third quarter. Charlotte Schum (East Hanover, NJ / Morris Catholic) hit a lay-up to cut the Profs lead to 40-37 heading into the final frame. Schum finished with 13 points to go along with eight rebounds.

TCNJ finally broke through again early in the fourth. Kim Dana (Freehold, NJ / Freehold) hit a three from the right wing to knot up the game at 43-43.  Minutes later, with the score again tied at 47-47, Dana drilled another three from the top of the key, followed immediately by a three-pointer from Schum to give the Lions a lead they would not give up.

Rowan did have their chance down the stretch, down three with the ball Nikki Schott (Washington, NJ / Warren Hills) blocked the Profs first 3-point attempt, then severely altered the Profs final chance to secure the three-point victory. In her return, Schott scored nine points to go along with seven boards and two blocks.

The Lions return home Saturday, February 5 at 1:00 pm to face Ramapo College. Prior to the game the team's seniors will be honored.