Lions two wins from securing a bye in first round of playoffs
It’s the time of the year when the nagging injuries become a little more painful, the pressure uses too much energy and everyone is fighting fatigue.
Unfortunately, it’s also the most important time of the season.
There are only three regular season games left for The College of New Jersey (17-5, 12-3 NJAC) women’s basketball team, and without any outside help it is two wins away from securing second place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
The lofty position carries with it the much-needed first round bye.
The Lions will look to earn one of those wins on Wednesday when William Paterson (12-10, 9-6 NJAC) visits Packer Hall for a 6 p.m. start.
The six playoff teams have been determined as Montclair State (19-2, 14-1 NJAC), TCNJ, Stockton ((14-8, 10-5 NJAC), Rutgers-Camden (138, 10-5 NJAC), Rowan (12-9, 9-6 NJAC) and Paterson have all clinched a playoff spot.
The only thing remaining is who is in what chair when the music stops on Feb. 14.
“We are thrilled to have earned this spot heading into the final three regular season contests,’’ said first-year coach Chessie Jackson. “It’s taken a lot of hard work from all and leadership from our upperclassmen, as well as a good amount of resilience in the face of a few tough obstacles this season. We’ve gotten tougher and more competitive as the season has gone on, and for that I’m really proud of this group, regardless of the seeding and playoff situation.’’
Not too shabby for a team picked sixth in the preseason poll.
No. 15 Montclair State pays a visit to Packer Hall on Saturday, and then the regular season concludes with a trip to Rutgers-Newark.
Should the Lions earn the No. 2 seed there are a couple games that were crucial. The first was the early season 65-47 win over a very good Stockton team, and then last week they turned back Rowan, 87-77.
“Our team got up for Rowan and we were able to sustain that energy at Ramapo, even with some significant fatigue issues,’’ said Jackson. “We are being diligent right now to get the rest and recovery we need heading into an important stretch.’’
Jen Byrne, who is third in the conference in scoring with 17.4 points per game, was on her game against Rowan, netting 30 and then 17 at Ramapo.
Shannon Devitt, who has to be the top candidate for Rookie of the Year, has 10 double-doubles and averages 10.2 points and 9.9 rebounds a game. She had a career-high 18 caroms in the win over Rowan.
This has been a collective effort, though, for the Lions.
Kate O’Leary, Charlotte Schum, Nikki Schott, Samantha Famulare and the rest of the Lions have all contributed in some way to the remarkable success to this point.
“It’s imperative that we stay hungry this week,’’ said Jackson. “For better or worse, basketball season comes down to playing really well together at the right time. I certainly think that our team is proud of what we’ve done up until now, but they aren’t satisfied. The hope is that our accomplishments up until now help us play harder, more confidently and with more pride when it matters the most.’’
It quickly becoming the time of year it does matter the most.