Union, N.J. (2/4/23) – Rowan University edged the Kean University women's basketball team by the final of 78-76 on Saturday afternoon.

With the loss, Kean is now tied with Rowan for first place in the conference standings (11-4). 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The game was a close affair throughout with six ties and eight lead changes.

Neither team was able to gain a double-digit advantage in the contest as the Cougars' biggest lead was nine (17-8) midway through the first quarter while the Profs' was eight twice at the end of the third quarter.

Kean held a slight three point lead at the break (43-40).

In the pivotal final period, the Cougars chipped away and tied things up at 68-all on a three pointer from Sarah Olivero with 7:40 on the clock.  Rowan took the lead back with a bucket and free throw but Kean tied it again, this time with a trey from Shannon McCoy. 

The Cougars took what would be their last lead of the day with one free throw from Macy Seaman and later one more from McCoy (73-71).  Nicole Mallard hit two free throws to tied things up one last time.  Rowan held a four point lead with 43 seconds to go, but the Cougars didn't go away and Brittany Graff hit a three pointer with 23 seconds on the clock to close within one.  Needing the ball back, Kean fouled and Rowan was only able to convert one of two to go up 78-76 with 17 seconds to go.  The Cougars final shot with time expiring was off the mark as Rowan held on for the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

McCoy led all players with 28 points, including seven from behind the arc.  Seaman finished with a double-double 22 points and 10 rebounds with four blocks.  Graff and Olivero rounded out the double digit scorers with 11 each.  Kayla Anderson had a team-high 12 rebounds and added six helpers.

Ny'emah Middleton led Rowan with 19 points off the bench.  Grace Marshall finished with 16 points, crossing the 1,000 point plateau for her career. 

UP NEXT:

Kean heads to the road for two games next week and will first travel to Rutgers-Camden on Wednesday evening.