Seniors lead Lions to within one victory of NJAC title
EWING >> The College of New Jersey women’s basketball seniors didn’t waste any time letting everyone know it was their day.
As the Lions built an early 13-point, it was on contributions from Nicole Shatsky, Sam Famulare and Kate O’Leary.
The three seniors led TCNJ to a 73-64 win over Kean on Saturday in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game on Senior Day in Packer Hall.
“It was like a whirlwind,” said Famulare. “It was great having all my family there and it shows are the hard work we have put in playing basketball.”
The league-leading Lions (168, 14-3 NJAC) are now just one win away from clinching the regular-season title. They play the final game of the season on Wednesday when William Paterson comes to Packer Hall.
“We have been playing our best basketball lately and I think everyone wants to keep that up,” said O’Leary. “Our chemistry has been better than ever.”
The Lions came out and went on a 12-0 run in the first period to take a 10-point lead and then added an 8-0 run in the second to cruise past Kean (12-12, 9-8 NJAC).
During the first half when the Lions set the tone, Shatsky had five points and four assists, Famulare had five points and two steals and O’Leary had three points and four assists.
“There were a lot of emotions in this game, but it’s really not over,” said O’Leary. “We are going to get an NJAC championship and then get even more.”
Kean made things interesting late in the game as it pulled to 69-63 in the final minutes, but the Lions responded.
“We got a little too comfortable with the lead,” said Shatsky. “I’m just glad we were able to get the win.”
One of the things Senior Day couldn’t overshadow was another great performance from Shannon Devitt. The talented sophomore tallied a team-high 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for her 16th double-double of the season. She is among the leaders in the nation in double-doubles.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without her,” said TCNJ coach Chessie Jackson, of Devitt, the reigning NJAC Rookie of the Year.
Kean was led by Shannon McCoy with 30 points, including seven from beyond the arc and Danielle Oakley added 11.
The Cougars are coached by former TCNJ assistant coach Mandy King.
But this was a time to celebrate the seniors and their run for a conference championship.
“The past couple games the energy has been high and we are all coming together,” said Famulare. “We have been working hard in practice and it’s all coming together.”