EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey women's basketball team was defeated by Rowan University on Wednesday night by a final score of 68-57. The Lions fell to 4-3 on the year including 1-1 in the NJAC, while the Profs became 5-1 and 2-0 in the conference on the season.

The Lions held a 16-12 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Natalie Miller knocked down a pair of three-pointers, with the last one giving TCNJ a four point lead.

In the second quarter, Elle Cimilluca knocked down a jump shot to make it a 20-14 lead. Shannon Devitt hit a pair of free throws to make it a 22-16 lead with six and a half to go in the second. Rowan battled back to take a 29-24 lead prior to half time.

Rowan took a 40-29 lead with five minutes to play in the third quarter, yet the Lions clawed back into it 14-3 run. Sydney Blum knocked down a three-pointer to pull the Lions within eight. The threes kept on coming for TCNJ, as Gazzola hit another. That combo both struck from beyond the arc again to make it a 43-41 lead. Mollie Brueggemeier knocked down a long jumper to tie the game at 43-43 game with over a minute to play in the third.

With six minutes to play in the game, Gazzola knocked down a three-pointer to make it a 51-50 Rowan lead. On the next possession, she made a pair of free throws to pull the Lions within 54-52. That was as close as the Profs would allow the Lions to get, and Rowan was able to control the final minutes to seal the victory.

Gazzola led TCNJ with 21 points, and hit five three-pointers. Devitt posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. She also played tough defense with five steals three blocked shots. Jen Byrne tallied nine points and grabbed five rebounds.

TCNJ will return to the hardwood Dec. 7 for a road trip to Rutgers-Newark.