William Paterson University earned a 64–54 road victory over The College of New Jersey on Tuesday, extending its undefeated start to 5-0 heading into Thanksgiving break. It marks the program’s best opening stretch since the 2011–12 season, when the Pioneers finished 26-3 and reached the NCAA Tournament.
TCNJ opened the game on a 5-0 run before William Paterson responded with six straight points, powered by free throws from senior Renee Wells and a jumper by fellow senior Patty Walsh. The Lions held a 16-13 edge after the first quarter.
Junior guard Jada Jacobs exited in the second quarter with an apparent arm injury, further thinning a backcourt already missing junior guard Mattison Chiera. Without their full rotation, the Pioneers struggled to maintain tempo, relying on flashes from sophomores Anna Primerano and Kaelyn Gowdy as TCNJ’s veteran guards controlled much of the half. The Lions carried a 29-26 lead into halftime, closing the second quarter on a 5-0 run.
Wells kept the Pioneers within striking distance, scoring 15 of the team’s 26 first-half points. She continued her momentum in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to three with a mid-range jumper and adding five more points to help William Paterson pull even.
The Pioneers seized control in the fourth. A layup by senior guard Luna Kirby gave William Paterson its first lead of the half, and a right-wing three-pointer by Wells extended the advantage to three. Walsh and Jacobs added key baskets as the Pioneers found their rhythm.
Wells ultimately put the game out of reach at the free-throw line. Drawing repeated fouls, she scored eight of the team’s final 14 points, turning a tight 50-46 contest under the three-minute mark into a decisive victory.
The senior forward finished with a career-high 35 points, notched 10 rebounds and shot the ball at a 47.4% clipse.
TCNJ entered the season as the New Jersey Athletic Conference preseason No. 1, while William Paterson was ranked fourth. With a statement win on the road, the Pioneers are positioning themselves as early contenders in conference play.
William Paterson returns to action Wednesday, Dec. 3, when it travels to Montclair State University for a matchup at the Panzer Athletic Center.
