Wayne, N.J. (1/10/18) – The William Paterson University women's basketball team edged Kean University by the final of 61-57 on Wednesday evening.

Payce Lange led Kean (6-8, 3-5 NJAC) with 18 points.

The Pioneers took control early, scoring the game's first seven points.  The Cougars fought back to level the scoring at 9-9 midway through the opening quarter and the teams continued to battle back and forth the rest of the way, ending the quarter in a 17-all tie.
 
The battle continued in the second quarter, as the two squads struggled from the field but were able to earn points at the free throw line. The Pioneers took a one-point lead into the locker room, 30-29 at the break.
 
Kean kept things close to begin the second half, knotting the score at 44-44 at the end of the third quarter. The Pioneers started the final frame on a 9-3 run however, taking their largest lead since starting the game on the seven-point burst. The Cougars made it a one-possession game (60-57) with 38 seconds remaining, but a free throw by junior Alisa Giordano put the game out of reach and give the Pioneers the 61-57 victory.

Marajiah Bacon ended the day with 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists while sister Miesha Bacon added 11 points and five rebounds. 

The Cougars head to Stockton University on Saturday afternoon to continue NJAC action.