MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The TCNJ women's basketball team picked up a victory over Montclair State University on Saturday afternoon in a key New Jersey Athletic Conference matchup by a final score of 54-33.

TCNJ (11-8, 9-3 NJAC) held a seven point lead in the third quarter, when it began to pull away. Shannon Devitt knocked down a jumper, then a Jen Byrne lay-up made it a 23-12 Lion lead. Rachel Gazzola hit a three-pointer, then a couple of possessions later Byrne scored from in close to put the Lions up 30-16.

Lauren Barlow converted on a fast break lay-up to push the lead to 14, then Devitt scored from in close once again. Cailey Gibson hit a three-pointer with 39 seconds to go in the third, and added a lay-up with six seconds to go to make it a 41-25 lead heading into the fourth.

The Lions carried over the momentum into the fourth quarter, and they did not allow the Red Hawks within double digits. Montclair State got to within 43-32, yet TCNJ countered with two free throws from Nicole Shatsky and seven straight points from Devitt.

Devitt posted her 15^th double-double of the season, as she scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the game in each category. She also played strong low post defense with five blocked shots. Byrne scored 10 points and added eight rebounds, while Sam Famulare scored nine points and came up with six steals on the defensive end. Shatsky chipped in five rebounds and four assists along with three points.

TCNJ was tough on the defensive end, as they held Montclair State to 23.9 percent shooting on the afternoon and forced 25 Red Hawk turnovers.

The Lions will return to the hardwood on Monday, Jan. 28 for a makeup game against Rutgers-Newark. Tip is set for 6:00 p.m.