Senior Day Insert

EWING, N.J. – The TCNJ women's basketball team picked up its sixth straight win by way of a 73-64 victory over Kean University on Saturday afternoon. TCNJ improved its record to 16-8 and 14-3 in NJAC play with the win.

The Lions began the game on a 19-6 run. Kate O'Leary knocked down a three-pointer to make it a 7-4 lead. Nicole Shatsky scored on a lay-up, then on the next possession she hit a trifecta to put TCNJ out in front by six. The hot shooting continued, as Cailey Gibson hit from behind the arc, then back-to-back lay-ups from Shannon Devitt and Sam Famulare extended the advantage to 13.

In the second quarter, the Cougars trimmed the deficit to 13, yet a 10-4 TCNJ stretch opened up a 43-23 lead going into halftime. Rachel Gazzola hit two three-pointers in a row off of the bench, then with two and a half to play in the half Shannon Devitt converted on an and-one to make it a 39-20 lead. Jumpers from Lauren Barlow and Devitt would extend the advantage to 20 and build momentum heading into the locker room.

TCNJ extended the lead to 25 in the third quarter thanks to lay-ups from Jen Byrne and O'Leary, and a three pointer from Famulare.

The Cougars would not go away however, as they were able to dwindle the lead to as few as six with under a minute to play. Devitt was able to make three free throws to help fend off the Cougars, and the Lions held onto the win.

Devitt led the Lions with 25 points on a very efficient 10-of-13 shooting from the floor, and added a game-high 13 rebounds. Byrne and Famulare each scored 10 points on the afternoon, while Gazzola chipped in eight coming off of the bench.

As a team the Lions had a big advantage in the rebounding battle, as they posted 37 boards compared to Kean's 23.

Prior to the game, the Lions held senior day to honor their senior class of Famulare, O'Leary, Shatsky, and Gina Bernardo.

Next up for TCNJ is the regular season finale against William Paterson at home on Feb. 13.