NEWARK, NJ - The Rutgers-Newark women's basketball team fell to Stockton University on Saturday afternoon, 48-34, at The Golden Dome.
Through the first 10 minutes of play Rutgers-Newark trailed Stockton 8-3. It was a low scoring offensive output from both teams, despite the intensity that the home team and the visitors carried throughout the first quarter. Both teams had several second chance shots that they were not able to convert.
The second quarter saw more production from both teams offensively, as they put in significant effort to improve on their first quarter performance by increasing their point total with Stockton holding the advantage at 23-10 after the first half of play.
Nicole Timario led the way with five points at the break, including a made three-pointer for Rutgers-Newark. Katie Rausch connected on four field goals to lead Stockton with 10 points.
The Raiders came storming back and were close to within six points late in the third quarter as they kept Stockton on their hills. Stockton was able to hit a three pointer with less than 10 seconds remaining to give themselves a 29-22 point lead heading into the fourth and final frame.
The whole mood inside The Golden Dome Athletic Center changed as Raider fans were screaming loud encouraging the team to not give up.
Rutgers-Newark was plagued with too many fouls and turnovers in the fourth quarter despite their energy never dropping. Stockton was able to take its lead back up to double digits but a pair of Tracey Ilderis free throws trimmed their lead back down to nine with a little over three minutes remaining in the game. In the final minute and a half, Stockton outscored Rutgers-Newark, 6-1 to steal the victory as the missteps ultimately hurt the Raiders' comeback in the end as they fell to Stockton by 14 points.
Timario concluded the game with eight points for Rutgers-Newark (3-8, 0-5 NJAC). Ilderis was the top rebounder for the Raiders with 10, in addition to four points and three steals.
Rausch finished with 13 points and four steals for Stockton (6-4, 3-2 NJAC).
The Raiders return home to The Golden Dome on Monday, Dec. 30 for a match-up versus Keystone College. The game is set for a 5 p.m. tip off.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark sports, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Scarlet Raiders news by following Rutgers-Newark Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
