The Rowan University women’s basketball team faced the Stockton University Ospreys on Wednesday, Dec. 1, in a key New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) matchup for both squads. 

Rowan came out on top 53-45, but as Head Coach Demetrius Poles sees room for improvement. 

“We want to score more points,” Coach Poles said. “53 points is something we want at halftime.” 

Junior guard and forward Dakota Adams added to her coach’s statement.

“We won but it felt like a loss because we knew we could do so much better,” Adams said.

Despite the low-scoring game, the Profs were able to secure a victory at Esby gym. 

To start off the game, Stockton grabbed a 6-0 lead. After a quick time-out called by Coach Poles, Rowan was able to get back on track and close out the first quarter on a high note, with a one-point lead of 14-13. 

In the second quarter, Rowan struggled shooting from the field and scored ten points in the quarter, but that was enough to edge Stockton as they only scored eight points in the second quarter. 

The Profs struggled to shoot across the board, specifically from beyond the arc, going 0-4 in the second quarter from three-point range and only shooting 16% from the field. 

“As a team, our shooting percentage is terrible. We’re not shooting the ball with confidence. We’re not scoring the ball off [the] defense,” Coach Poles said. 

At the half, the Profs led 24-21 with key contributions from their bench, including Adams. 

Adams finished the day with 11 points, nine rebounds and two steals to lead all scoring for the Profs. 

“[I’m] finally getting back into the groove of things, adjusting to the team,” Adams said. “I’m able to be more confident in myself and play like how I play.” 

Coach Poles also added his thoughts on her performance.

“Offensively, she had a good game. We’re gonna need her scoring,” Coach Poles said. “Dakota’s performance was great, she put in a great effort offensively.” 

To open up the second half, the Profs scored 9 points before the Ospreys could respond, with points from junior guard Nicole Mallard, senior guard Kennedy Brown, and senior forward and center Jazlyn Duverglas. 

Stockton continued the trend of keeping it a low-scoring game, as the Profs were able to hold Stockton to seven points in the third quarter.

Going into the final quarter, the Profs had the 37-28 lead. After Stockton cut the deficit to 39-34, the Profs then retaliated with six straight points. 

The Ospreys attempted a comeback again when they cut the lead to trail by five 47-42 with just over three minutes remaining. Sophomore guard and forward Kristina Johnson hit a three and Adams hit late free throws to help seal the game for the Profs. 

Regardless of the lackluster shooting performance, ten different players were able to get on the board and were able to secure the 53-45 victory. In addition, Rowan saw a solid effort from their bench performers as the Profs scored 30 off of the bench. 

“So that’s one of coach Poles’ number one things. Get off of the bench and be ready to play in the game,” Adams said. “I think that’s a spark.” 

Adams led all scoring for the Profs, while Mallard collected nine points and junior guard Savannah Holt grabbed eight rebounds. 

For the Ospreys, their guards kept them in the game as Emma Morrone led Stockton with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Grace Sacco chipped in with nine points and two boards. 

The Profs move to 2-4 on the season.

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