Newark, NJ | The Rutgers University-Newark Scarlet Raiders were unable to take the wind out of the William Paterson Pioneers' sails tonight at the Golden Dome. Just one basket in the third quarter would spell doom for the women's basketball squad who dropped a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game to the Pioneers, 77-53.

Rutgers University-Newark (3-18, 1-13) was led by Hannah Ashby's 11 points and 9 rebounds while Louise Ann Borja contributed with 10 points and eight rebounds. Comfort Akinbo and Elisha India Cross each tallied eight points and combined for six offensive rebounds. The Scarlet Raiders were active on the offensive boards this evening, collecting 28 of their 49 rebounds on the offensive side. 

William Paterson University (9-11, 1-13) had Alisa Giordano match her season-high with 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the floor. Allison McBride used her size advantage inside and picked up 18 points and 9 rebounds. Vianca Soriano collected a 10 point, 11 rebound double-double in the win.

The Scarlet Raiders hung around with the Pioneers throughout the first half and nearly erased an 11-point deficit with a 12-4 run through the first five minutes of the second quarter. William Paterson would push their lead back out to six, however, a triple by Samiyah Horton cut the lead back down to three with 2:50 remaining in the half. The Pioneers tried to pull away but the Scarlet Raiders were able to continue matching the intensity and even stole momentum heading into the half when Radaisha Talley hit a layup as time expired.

In the third quarter, the Scarlet Raiders lost their mojo as they came out and secured just seven points on 1-for-18 shooting from the floor. That cold shooting by the Scarlet Raiders ultimately sealed the deal in favor of the Pioneers as the Scarlet Raiders were unable to dig themselves out of the hole. 

Rutgers-Newark wasn't able to regain their footing as the Pioneers further extended their lead in the final stanza of play as they picked up their second straight NJAC win.

Up next for the Scarlet Raiders is a rematch against Rutgers University-Camden on Saturday, February 8 at 6:00 pm.