Freshman guard Sarah Kozlowski (Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan) finished with 13 points for the Cougars (3-0), including six during a 22-5 first-half ending run that turned a 23-16 deficit into a 38-28 halftime bulge over the Pioneers (1-2). Sophomore forward Kimberly Smith (Burlington, NJ/Burlington) and freshman guards Ebony Jackson (Newark, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz) and Melissa Beyruti (Union City, NJ/Union Hill) each scored 12. Jackson also doled out eight assists while Smith grabbed six boards for the victors, who shot 50.0 percent (34-for-68), including a 19-for-35 (54.3 percent) effort over the final 20 minutes.
Junior forward Alima Williams (Somerdale, NJ/Sterling Regional) scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead William Paterson, which shot just 33.3 percent (23-for-69) while turning the ball over 29 times. Sophomore guard Michelle Pellichero (Milltown, NJ/Bishop Ahr) added 13 points while senior center Barrie Quick (Hilllsborough, NJ/Hillsborough)
In spite of being held without a field goal for 7:50, Kean used a 22-5 surge to turn a 23-16 deficit into a 38-28 halftime lead. Kozlowski scored six points during the run and sophomore guard Shirley Fernandez (Union City, NJ/Union Hill) poured in five as the Cougars held the Pioneers to one field goal over the final 6:50 of the half.
William Paterson returns to action Saturday, Nov. 26, for a 3 p.m. home contest against FDU Florham. Kean resumes play Wednesday, Nov. 30, with a 5:30 p.m. tilt at NJAC rival Ramapo.