Newark, N.J. – Stockton University (7-8, 2-6 NJAC) took the lead for good with a 12-4 third quarter and held off Rutgers-Newark (2-13, 0-8) down the stretch for a 51-44 victory that was the second straight win for the Ospreys. Stockton led by as much as 11 in the decisive period.
 
Kiley Gelston (Washington Twp./Washington Twp.) and Emily Donzanti (Toms River/TR South) combined for nearly half of Stockton's points, scoring 25 of the team's 51 markers. Gelston shot 6-10 (60%) from the floor and finished with a game-high 15 points.
 
Donzanti tossed in 10 points and contributed a game-high four steals and team-high four assists plus four rebounds and a block in a well-rounded performance. The point guard went a perfect 4-4 at the line and 2-3 from three-point range.
 
The teams exchanged points throughout a tight first quarter that ended in a 12-12 tie that was the fifth deadlock of the period. The Ospreys fell behind by five points twice in the second period but rallied each time. Late baskets by Armanee DeBarry (Millville/Millville) and Ionyonia Alves (Mays Landing/Oakcrest) pulled Stockton within 26-25 at the break.
 
The Ospreys reeled off the first 12 points of the third stanza to take control of the game with a 37-26 lead. Gelston led the 12-0 run with six points and Lajerah Wright (Atlantic City/Atlantic City) added four counters. The Scarlet Raiders netted the last two baskets of the period to trim the margin to 37-30 after three.
 
Rutgers-Newark made a run in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to two at 38-36 and 40-38 but Stockton held off each charge. Donzanti ended the threat with a three-pointer that made it 43-38 and Gelston followed with a jumper for a 45-38 cushion with 2:38 remaining.
 
In the last 1:32, Donzanti went 4-4 at the line and Gelston sank two from the stripe to clinch the 51-44 triumph. Overall, Stockton was 7-8 (87.5%) on free throws in the final period.
 
Stockton returns home to host Montclair State at The Sports Center on Saturday at 3 p.m.