NEWARK, NJ - The Rutgers-Newark women's basketball team took the game down to the wire against visiting Ramapo College. With 1.9 seconds left on the clock, the Scarlet Raiders had one final shot, as it just missed going in to give the home team the 47-46 loss at The Golden Dome.
It was an even first quarter. With three and a half minutes left in the first quarter, the game was tied at 5-5 with Rutgers-Newark calling a quick time out. After a back-and-forth battle, Ramapo took an 11–9 edge into the second quarter.
Tied at 15-15 with four minutes to go in the first half, Raihanna Abdus-Salaam hit a three-pointer from the top of the key to make it an 18–15 ball game in favor of the home team. The lead would hold as they headed into the locker room for halftime.
The Scarlet Raiders were able to hold onto their lead as they applied pressure and were able to move the ball swiftly to take a 31–30 advantage into the fourth quarter.
The Scarlet Raiders found themselves down and trailing near the end of the game in need of a desperate turnaround.
Renee Houston-Allen did a huge three-pointer from the top of the key with 51 seconds left to trim Ramos's lead to 45–42.
Zoe Francis-Bunkley came up with a steal that led to a made free throw. Ramapo College was then fouled and connected on one of two free throws to make it 46-43 with 30 seconds to go.
After a missed three-pointer by Arlenny Medina, Ramapo College then went to the line again, making only one of two free throws.
This time the Scarlet Raiders did not miss as Quanajah Felder hit a trey from the right side to make it a tie ball game at 46–46 with 14.2 seconds remaining in the game.
As if it was déjà vu again, Ramapo College made only one of two free throws and the Scarlet Raiders were able to run down and give themselves a chance as they called a time out with 1.9 seconds left to make one final shot.
Felder's shot attempt fell to the left of the basket, as Rutgers-Newark dropped to 3-20, 0-16 NJAC on the season. Abdus-Saalam led the Scarlet Raiders with 11 points and four steals. Tracey Ilderis had a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds.
The victory improved Ramapo College's record to 3-20, 2-14 NJAC. Jocelyn Huancaya had 15 points for Ramapo College. Brianna Smith added 8 points and 15 rebounds.
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