HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – It was a combined team effort for the NJCU (New Jersey City University) Gothic Knights (2-0) as they defeated Centenary College (1-1) 61-54 in the championship game of the Lady Cyclones Tip-Off Tournament on Sunday at the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center.
It was a tale of two halves as after a passively played first half in which the Knights only held a 24-16 lead, the teams came roaring out of the gate come the start of the second.
Jazz Randall led the Knights with 10 points while seven Knights had at least seven points. By the 13th minute mark of the second, they had extended their lead to 15 points.
It wasn't until 4:35 remaining in the second half when the Cyclones found their groove.
Taylor Pryslak (Belvidere, NJ / Belvidere) and
Rachel Edwards (Phillipsburg, NJ / Phillipsburg) were clutch behind the arc as they landed three consecutive three-pointers which spurred Centenary on a 13-2 run. The Cyclones managed to pull within one point of the Knights lead.
It was the little mistakes which led to the Cyclones defeat. With the score 52-55,
Jade Medley beat three cyclones to a loose-ball off a free-throw to gain an extra possession for NJCU. The Knights converted on the following possession and extended their lead to five.
The first half was the real killer for Centenary as they went 29.2% from the field, 0-7 on three-pointers, and 2-9 on free-throws.
Mallory George (Berkeley Heights, NJ / Governor Livingston) once again finished with a game-high 15 points while shooting 6-of-12 and adding in four rebounds. George also earned All-Tournament team honors. Edwards contributed 10 points on 4-of-11 from the field and grabbing two rebounds.
Pryslak finished the afternoon with eight points and six rebounds and
Nicole Cartaino (Midland Park, NJ / Midland Park) chipped in five points and seven rebounds.
The consolation game of the Lady Cyclone Tournament featured Bryn Athyn College defeating Penn State - Wilkes Barrie by the final of 47-40 to claim third place.
Centenary will regroup as they prepare for their first road match against Ramapo College Wednesday November 19th in Mahwah, NJ for a 5:30pm start.
