JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The TCNJ basketball team continued to roll on Wednesday night, as the Lions picked up their fifth straight victory by way of a 69-54 win against New Jersey City University. TCNJ bumped up its record to 15-8 and 12-3 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The victory also clinched a first round bye in the NJAC postseason tournament.

The Lions were trailing 7-6 early on, yet went on a 16-3 run to end the first quarter and captured a 22-10 lead. Sam Famulare knocked down a three-pointer to make it 15-10 with 4:21 to go in the first quarter. A couple of possessions later, Jen Byrne converted from three point range to put the Lions up 18-10. Byrne would then net back-to-back buckets to stretch the Lion lead to 12.

The Gothic Knights were able to pull within six by halftime, yet TCNJ kept them at arm's length throughout the course of the second half. At the start of the third quarter, the Lions went out on a 9-1 run to take a 44-31 lead. Shannon Devitt hit a jumper on the fast break, then Famulare struck again from three point territory. Kate O'Leary then was fouled on the break, and made two free throws to extend the advantage to 42-31. A lay in from Devitt made it a 13 point lead.

In the fourth quarter, back-to-back trifectas from Famulare and O'Leary put TCNJ on top 58-40. The Lions were able to control the remainder of the game to secure the victory.

Byrne led TCNJ with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting from the field. Famulare tallied 20 and hit 5-of-8 from three point range, while Devitt scored 18 points and pulled down nine rebounds. O'Leary tallied five points, five rebounds, and six assists while Nicole Shatsky dished out seven assists.

Next up for TCNJ is another NJAC game, this time the Lions will play host to Kean University on Feb. 9 at 1:00 p.m. That will also be senior day, along with fan appreciation day.