Union, N.J. (11/8/23) – Stevens Institute of Technology used a strong third quarter to top the Kean University women's basketball team, 74-61 on opening night for both teams.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Holding a slim 19-18 in the second quarter, the Ducks used a 6-0 run to take their largest lead of the night at that point (25-18).

Later tied at 27-all, the Cougars responded with a 10 point surge, with seven points from rookie Gissel Gamble, to take a 37-27 lead.  Kean would hold a five point lead (38-33) at the break.

Stevens adjusted at the intermission and outscored the Cougars 23-8 in the third frame, taking a lead they would not relinquish.

Kean got the deficit down to single digits in the fourth quarter with a trey from Brittany Graff (63-54), but the Ducks were able to keep their offensive cushion for the opening night win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Maya Edwards and Graff each had a team-high 14 points.  Graff added six steals and five assists.  Gamble ended the night with 11 points while veteran returner Shahd Badeer had a double-double 12 points and 15 rebounds.

For Stevens, Dorothy Loffredo led all players with 17 points as part of four players in double-digits. 

UP NEXT:

Kean heads north as they travel to Waltham, Massachusetts to participate in the Judges Invitational at Brandeis University.  The Cougars will face Oberlin College on Friday evening.