The Lions have proven they can take complete control of a game. Last Saturday at the Bradley Center in Mahwah, N.J., was yet another example of their dominance.
The College routed the Roadrunners of Ramapo College 74-39. This game marked the Lions' third win in a row and their 10th win in their last 12 contests.
"We are confident as a team right now," head coach Dawn Henderson said. "We're looking to be undefeated in February and to get to the playoffs, and we're taking it one game at a time."
The College's dominance began in the first half. Ramapo took a 3-2 advantage after sinking a three-pointer, but the Lions jumped out to a 21-point lead by the half's end.
"The team knows what they need to do to be successful," Henderson said. "As long as we do those things on offense and especially on defense, then our focus is in the right place."
The Roadrunners were held to zero field goals for the next eight minutes following their only lead of the game. Several double-digit runs and 14 Roadrunner turnovers later, the Lions entered intermission leading 36-15.
The Lions held the Roadrunners to less than 24 percent shooting from the floor throughout the game.
"We try to focus on defense," Henderson said. "If we can take care of business there, then we'll be fine."
Junior center Hillary Klimowicz took charge for the Lions on offense overall, as she poured in 23 points on an impressive 10-of-12 shooting. Freshman forward Kelsey Kutch also had a solid game, as she netted 10 points of her own along with five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
"On offense, we've been focusing on running our plays and looking for weaknesses in the opposing team's defense," senior guard/forward Sara Best said. "Ramapo didn't have the height we have, so we used that to our advantage by looking down low and feeding the posts."
The all-around team effort did not stop there as sophomore center Alexandra Gregorek dropped in eight points along with a game-high three blocks. Alyssa Michella had an excellent game as well with nine points, six steals and two assists.
With the win, the Lions have moved to 7-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and 16-5 overall.
Conversely, the Roadrunners failed to obtain their first NJAC win in their 10th attempt.
"We played well, and we're trying not to look forward but we know we've got Kean (University) on the schedule," Henderson said. "We lost the first time, but when you play a team for the second time, the whole game changes."
The Lions will look for retribution in their next contest, as the College hosts Kean in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Think Pink Initiative Tournament tonight at 6 p.m. in Packer Hall.
