Make no mistake. The biggest game of the Montclair State University women’s basketball team’s season to date is tonight at Panzer Athletic Center.
The Red Hawks (15-3, 9-2 NJAC) are set to face off against New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) rival William Paterson University (13-5, 9-2 NJAC).
With both teams being locked in a three-way tie for first place alongside The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), this tilt has major implications for the conference standings.
With both teams being locked in a three-way tie for first place alongside The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), this tilt has major implications for the conference standings. Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics.
The first meeting between these two teams was a decisive Pioneer victory. William Paterson senior guard Brianna Smith lit up the scoreboard with an impressive 23-point performance, while Pioneer junior guard Renee Wells posted 16.
The Red Hawks trailed from the start and 20 point double-double from freshman forward Alyssa Craigwell was not even enough to keep the team within striking distance of their opponent.
The 16 point loss to the Pioneers in early December may have marked the lowest point of the young season when coupled with a 30 point loss to Rowan University the week before. Montclair State started off their NJAC campaign with an 0-2 start after winning their first four non conference games.
However, head coach Karin Harvey’s team quickly bounced back and had played lights out ever since. They have blossomed on both sides of the ball, becoming the NJAC’s best offense and defense.
Craigwell has arguably been the centerpiece of the Red Hawk scoring machine, being the second highest scorer in the conference as well as having the best field goal percentage (.483).
Senior forward/center Olivia Vero has brought veteran presence to the team and is another critical component to the team’s success.
Graduate guard Sophie Beneventine has been a spark plug, energizing the Red Hawks with great passing and hard nosed defense.
Montclair State has rung in the new year with flawless basketball in January, winning each of their last seven matchups.
Importantly, the Red Hawks avenged their loss to Rowan with a 69-61 victory over the Profs.
Tonight, they have the chance to do the same against William Paterson, the only other conference team to beat them this season.
It’s certainly not going to be a walk in the park for the Red Hawks. The dynamic duo of Wells and Smith are the third and fourth highest scoring players in the conference respectively.
The Pioneers boast the third best offense across the league. William Paterson’s defense is second only to Montclair State’s, thanks in part to their high turnover margin (7.4), which has made it hard for opposing teams to string together quality possessions.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 at Panzer Athletic Center. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics.
Both teams have a lot to play for. The winner will walk away with the number one position in the conference, which may lead to better seeding in the NJAC Tournament, as well as a first round bye down the road.
Yes, the game is only one of seven left in the regular season, but a win for the Red Hawks could solidify their return to contention and would put the state on notice.
Or William Paterson can prove that they are truly the top dogs in the NJAC.
Either way, fans in attendance should expect fireworks.
