Jackson scored nine points during a 20-5 first-half run as the Pioneers (12-10, 9-5 NJAC) raced out to a 24-9 lead. William Paterson, which earned its second consecutive conference tournament invitation, could clinch a first-round bye if they win their two remaining NJAC contests: at Ramapo on Feb. 16 and home against Rutgers-Camden on Feb. 19.
The Pioneers led 30-16 at halftime as Jackson had nine points and seven boards at the break, while helping to hold the Cougars (7-15, 4-9 NJAC) to 17.1 percent shooting (6-for-35) in the first 20 minutes, including a 1-for-11 effort beyond the 3-point arc.
William Paterson extended its lead to 18 points on a few occasions, but Kean pulled within 11 on a couple of occasions thanks to freshman forward Kimberly Smith, who poured in a career-high 12 points to lead the Cougars.
Sophomore guard Luci Custis was one of four William Paterson players in double figures, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds. Freshman forward Lauren Miller added 12 points and five rebounds in her first career start, while senior Adrienne Kopko contributed 10 points and seven caroms.
Sophomore forward Chi Clark scored 10 points and snared six rebounds for Kean. Freshman forward Chari' Cooper, the leading rebounder in Division III, finished with seven points and 10 boards despite only playing 16 first-half minutes.
William Paterson returns to action Saturday, Feb. 12, when it travels to non-conference foe New Jersey City for a 5 p.m. tip-off. Kean travels to NJAC adversary Rutgers-Camden the same day for a 1 p.m. contest.