Union, N.J. (2/26/21) – Junior Shannon McCoy netted a double-double as she helped the Kean University women's basketball team to their first win of the short season with an 87-48 victory over Rutgers-Newark on Friday evening.

The two teams were not scheduled to play against each other this season, but COVID pauses within the conference left both the Cougars (1-6) and Scarlet Raiders (2-5) without opponents this weekend.  The teams agreed to play to allow them both to reach the maximum allowable in conference play (eight games).

McCoy finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in 32 minutes of action.

Kean led wire-to-wire as they pushed their advantage out to double-digits in the first five minutes of action.  Leading 11-6 a trey from Casey Filiault and a three-point play from McCoy but Kean on top 17-6.  A bucket from behind the arc a few minutes later extended the lead to 14.

The Cougars coasted through the second quarter, outscoring the Scarlet Raiders, 26-8 to take a 46-21 lead at the break.

Kean took their largest lead of the day twice in the fourth quarter as Shahd Badeer connected on a free throw (83-38) and later a layup (85-50).

In all, 16 players saw action for the Cougars who had four players finish in double figures.  DarRique Smith recorded a career-best 15 points and six rebounds with teammate Olivia Nilsen matching with 15 as well.  Senior Ashley Hunt registered 10 points.

For Rutgers-Newark Ebony Odom Barnes had a team-high 11 points with nine rebounds in the loss.

The two teams will square off again tomorrow in Newark at 2 p.m.