Kean, which snapped a two-game losing streak, improves to 11-4 overall and 6-2 in the NJAC. Rutgers-Camden falls to 4-11 and 0-8 with its fourth straight loss.
The Cougars own a 27-17 lead in the all-time series, which started during the 1982-83 season.
In a first half which featured nine lead changes, Kean built a 23-16 edge before Rutgers-Camden bounced back on the strong inside play of junior forward Karen Carter (Pennsauken, NJ/Pennsauken). Carter, who scored a team-high nine points in the half, gave the Raptors a 25-23 lead with 3:51 remaining before Kean rallied to take a 31-28 halftime lead. The Cougars took the lead, 28-27, on a putback by sophomore guard Nina Oshiokpekhai (Hillside, NJ/Mother Seton Regional), who added a three-pointer moments later.
Smith had nine first-half points for the Cougars.
The Raptors never recovered in the second half as Kean went on a 10-2 run shortly into the half. The run was sparked by junior guard Francine Bell (Orange, NJ/West Side), who scored eight points and added an assist in the run on her way to a game-high 16 points.
Smith finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds for her double-double, while Oshiokpekhai scored 14 and junior forward Chi Clark (Maplewood, NJ/Columbia) added 10. Sophomore center Chari’ Cooper (Paulsboro, NJ/Paulsboro), who entered the week second in the nation in rebounding with an average of 13.0, collected a game-high 15 rebounds, while adding eight points and three blocked shots.
For the Lady Raptors, sophomore guard Imani Hafiz (Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Regional) collectd a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, while adding a game-high six steals. Sophomore guard Krystal Jankowski (Somerdale, NJ/Sterling) had a team-high 15 points, while senior center Megan Rulon (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional) notched 12 rebounds, eight points and a game-high eight blocked shots. Rulon’s blocks give her 290 for her career, one shy of the program record held by Kamilah Byrd (1993-97).
Both teams return to NJAC action with road games Wednesday, Jan. 18. Kean visits Montclair State for a 6 p.m. game, while Rutgers-Camden is at William Paterson for an 8 p.m. contest.
KEAN (11-4/6-2) Francine Bell 4-12 5-6 16; Kimberly Smith 4-17 7-10 15; Nina Oshiokpekhai 5-6 2-3 14; Chi Clark 5-13 0-1 10; Chari' Cooper 2-12 4-9 8; Ebony Jackson 2-9 0-0 4; Shirley Fernandez 1-3 0-0 3; Brittany Cleveland 1-5 0-0 2; Allison Summerset 0-3 0-0 0; Geanna Bonavitacola 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 24-82 18-29 72. RUTGERS-CAMDEN (4-11/0-8) Krystal Jankowski 5-10 5-10 15; Imani Hafiz 3-11 4-5 10; Karen Carter 3-5 3-4 9; Megan Rulon 4-10 0-0 8; Miriam Lindemann 3-11 2-2 8; Carmen Zimmitt 3-10 2-2 8; Tanishia Greene 1-1 0-0 2; Melissa Whitten 1-5 0-0 2; Jessica Hull 0-1 1-2 1; Crystal Pezzano 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 23-65 17-25 63. KEAN.......................... 31 41 - 72 Rutgers-Camden................ 28 35 - 63 3-point goals-KEAN 6-14 (Francine Bell 3-8; Nina Oshiokpekhai 2-2; Shirley Fernandez 1-2; Allison Summerset 0-2), Rutgers-Camden 0-8 (Krystal Jankowski 0-1; Miriam Lindemann 0-5; Melissa Whitten 0-2). Fouled out--KEAN-Chari' Cooper, Rutgers-Camden-Karen Carter; Krystal Jankowski; Imani Hafiz; Megan Rulon. Rebounds-KEAN 59 (Chari' Cooper 15), Rutgers-Camden 58 (Megan Rulon 12). Assists-KEAN 12 (Francine Bell 3; Ebony Jackson 3), Rutgers-Camden 12 (Imani Hafiz 3; Melissa Whitten 3). Total fouls-KEAN 24, Rutgers-Camden 29. A-150