NEWARK, NJ — Rutgers-Newark dropped an NJAC women's basketball contest to New Jersey City University, 84–71, at the Golden Dome after a back-and-forth battle that swung multiple times before the Gothic Knights pulled away late.

NJCU jumped out to a quick 10–2 lead to open the game before the Scarlet Raiders settled in. Rutgers responded with a 13–4 run to briefly take a narrow advantage, but a couple of late baskets by the Gothic Knights closed the opening quarter with NJCU in front, 28–21.

The Scarlet Raiders' defense tightened in the second quarter, holding NJCU to just 12 points in the period. A layup by Arlenny Medina just before the buzzer capped a strong finish and sent Rutgers-Newark into halftime with a slim 41–40 lead.

Both teams struggled to find a rhythm coming out of the break, with NJCU shooting 23 percent from the field and Rutgers-Newark at 27 percent in the third quarter. Trips to the free-throw line proved pivotal for the Gothic Knights, allowing them to edge back in front and carry a 59–54 advantage into the fourth.

That success at the line continued in the final period, as NJCU built a double-digit lead that it would not relinquish down the stretch.

Quanajah Felder led the Scarlet Raiders with a career-high 29 points and added three steals. Sanaa Brodie recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds to pace Rutgers-Newark on the glass.

The Scarlet Raiders will return home this Saturday, hosting Stockton at the Golden Dome.

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