Women’s Basketball Comes Back to Defeat Stockton, Secure First-Round Bye

By Dorian Alerte | Published February 17, 2023

Emotions were high in Harwood Arena as the seniors of the Kean Women’s Basketball team prepared for their final regular season home game in the New Jersey Athletic Conference season finale against the Stockton Ospreys. Eight seniors were recognized, three fifth-year seniors and five fourth-year seniors.

“Coming in as a shy, timid freshman, it meant a lot to me that they would take me under their wings,” point guard Brittany Graff said. “They inspired me, motivate me, push me on the court, off the court, always holding me accountable. They really stepped it up and made me feel comfortable coming in and I wouldn’t be where I am without them, they’re all my best friends.”

Behind the outside shooting of Shannon McCoy (21 points), Brittany Graff’s passing ability (13 points and seven assists), the tenacious rebounding of Shahd Badeer (eight points and 13 rebounds), and DarRique Smith’s defensive tenacity (seven points and two steals), the Cougars (16-9) were able to defeat the Ospreys (12-13) 63-50 in a come-from-behind victory. This victory allowed the Cougars to secure the number two seed in the NJAC standings, and with that, a first-round bye in the playoffs.

“Our mentality is to stay in the moment and stay locked in,” Kayla Anderson (six points and six rebounds) said. “We can’t look too far ahead. We have to focus on each day, getting better in practice, during shoot around, during film, during lift- every aspect.”

The Ospreys came out firing on all cylinders to begin the game, scoring 19 points in the first quarter. The Cougars were then able to flip the script in the second quarter, outscoring the Ospreys 22-7, and headed into halftime with a five-point lead with a buzzer-beater three from Shannon McCoy.

The Ospreys were able to tie the game with 3:19 left in the third quarter at 37 all. A block and a three-pointer from Graff on the next possession put the Cougars back up by three, and from that point, they did not look back.

Kean never let the Ospreys get closer than six points and walked away with the victory that ensured that they would have the first-round bye. At 7:20 left in the fourth quarter, Graff drew a charge that led to Emma Marrone fouling out and aided in the Cougars’ victory.

With several playoff scenarios still looming, this game was an important win with New Jersey City University and Rowan University also battling for the top two seeds in the NJAC. With NJCU’s victory over Rutgers- Camden, Kean needed to defeat Stockton to avoid playing in the first round. With the Cougar’s victory, the Rowan Profs become the third seed and will play the Ramapo Roadrunners in the first round.

“This was a big game out there tonight,” Graff said. “It was a determining factor on if we play on Saturday or not and I just left my all out there.”

The Cougars will play the winner of the game between the Profs and the Roadrunners. They will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at home.

“When we stay in the moment and stay locked in we build that confidence,” Anderson said.  When the moment comes, and it’s time to shine it’s just automatic.”

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