Union, N.J. (2/22/22) – The eighth seeded College of New Jersey women's basketball used a late surge to pull away from top seeded Kean University by the final of 51-43 on Tuesday night in the conference quarterfinals.

With the win the Lions will travel to face #4 William Paterson University, winners over #5 Ramapo College (63-57).

The game featured five ties and three lead changes as neither team was able to put forth their best offensive output in tonight's matchup as both teams shot below 30% for the contest. 

The game was decided in the final three and a half minutes which began with the teams tied at 36-all.  TCNJ (13-12) converted their next three possessions into seven points while the Lion defense forced three missed shots for the Cougars in the same time period.  With under a minute to go now in the contest, Kean was forced to play the foul/possession game to try and get as much time on the clock as possible.  TCNJ was able to add six points to their tally at the charity stripe, while the Cougars were only able to score four points on buckets from Shannon McCoy before time expired.

McCoy played all 40 minutes and was tied for a game-high 19 points for Kean. 

Julia Setaro and Nina Branchizio combined for 37 points for TCNJ as the Lions outrebounded Kean, 42-33.

The Cougars will wait to see what the postseason brings when the ECAC tournament is announced next week.