The Pioneers turned a 12-11 lead into a 28-11 advantage with 5:48 remaining in the first half, as senior Melissa Moore (East Orange, N.J./North Bergen) scored nine of her 13 points during the 16-0 spurt. Junior Michelle Pellichero (Milltown, N.J./Bishop Ahr) scored 11 of her game-high 17 points during the first half, as William Paterson built a 39-18 halftime lead.
The Pioneers shot 50.0 (12-24) percent from the field during the first 20 minutes, and were even better after the break, connecting on 11 of 18 (.611) attempts. Overall, William Paterson connected on a season-best 54.8 percent of its attempts and 55.6 (10-18) percent from three-point range to defeat the Scarlet Raiders, who entered the game as the only other undefeated team in the NJAC’s North Division.
Pellichero made five of eight three-pointers for her 17 tallies, adding three assists. Moore had five rebounds to go along with her 13 points, while senior Luci Custis (Roselle, N.J./Abraham Clark) had 11 points, four assists and three steals. Junior Lori Custis (Roselle, N.J./Abraham Clark) contributed 10 points, five rebounds and three assists for the Pioneers.
William Paterson received votes in this week’s d3hoops.com National Top 25 Poll (eight votes, 35th).
William Paterson will return to action Saturday, Jan. 20, at The College of New Jersey at 1:00 p.m.