Boxscore

Montclair, NJ – Stockton University (21-6) came up short in its quest for the program's third NJAC championship as the Ospreys fell to #7 Montclair State (26-1) 59-42 in the league title game. After splitting two close regular-season meetings against one of the highest-ranked teams in the nation by a total of four points, Stockton struggled to a season-low 42 points in the rubber match. Sara Farrell (Marlton/Cherokee) paced the Ospreys with 11 points while playing all 40 minutes.
 
Sasha Williams (Cherry Hill/CH West) registered her fourth straight double-double and 10th of the season with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Williams, the NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, also blocked a game-high four shots. Lauren Alwan (Winslow/Timber Creek) and Alex Nardoza (Fords/Woodbridge) tossed in nine points apiece. The Ospreys shot 33.3 percent from the floor (15-45) and committed 22 turnovers.
 
The game was tied three times in the first six minutes as Williams powered the Ospreys with four early points. The Red Hawks reeled off six straight markers during a 4:26 scoring drought by Stockton, and the Ospreys never recovered. Montclair State broke the game open by outscoring Stockton 17-3 for a 33-15 advantage before a free throw by Farrell and jumper by Williams brought the first half to a close with the Ospreys trailing 33-18.
 
Stockton shot slightly better and took better care of the ball in the second half but never made a serious run at the lead. Farrell capped an 8-0 spurt with a basket to trim the deficit to 10 at 44-34 with 6:59 remaining, however the Ospreys were unable to get the margin under double figures. Montclair State answered with nine consecutive points to seal the outcome and Stockton fell 59-42.
 
Stockton now must hope for an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The NCAA field will be announced live on NCAA.com on Monday at 2:30 pm. Should the Ospreys be left out of the bracket, then they most likely will participate in the ECAC Metro Tournament.