Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (5-1, 3-1 NJAC) used strong defense late in the game to pull out a 58-55 victory on Wednesday night over The College of New Jersey (4-5, 2-2 NJAC). Freshman Madison LaRosa (Oceanport/Shore Regional) led a trio of Ospreys in double figures with 16 points. The win by Stockton snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Lions.
 
The Lions came into the contest answering a 5-0 run to start with six straight points of their own in the first quarter. The Ospreys shot just 27.8 % (5-18) but trailed by just one point at 15-14 after one. LaRosa tallied seven of her markers during the frame.
 
Stockton turned up the defensive pressure in the second period, forcing the visitors into numerous turnovers that led to Stockton points. Although the Ospreys fell behind 27-26 at the break, the Lions turned the ball over 10 times in the half that led to eight Stockton points.
 
Emma Morrone (Maywood/Hackensack) had a big half totaling 11 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals to keep the home team close in the first 20 minutes of play.
 
The Ospreys took over in the third period, outscoring the Lions 16-9, finishing the quarter on a 12-6 run to forge a 42-36 advantage. LaRosa totaled seven more points during the frame, with the Stockton defense stifling TCNJ into just 17.6% (3-17) shooting.
 
The Lions fought back opening the final period on a 9-2 spurt to regain the margin at 45-44 with 6:27 left in regulation. Both squads battled for points until Stockton was able to grab the lead for good.
 
Grace Sacco (Ocean City/Ocean City) was huge for Stockton down the stretch, dishing an assist on a Nalya Hill (Bloomfield/DePaul Catholic) basket, then hitting two of three foul shots to give Stockton a slim 55-52 lead with 30.8 seconds left.
 
Stockton forced a five-second violation on TCNJ, before Sacco hit on two of four free throws and LaRosa one of two to set the final score at 58-55, giving the Osprey their fourth win in the last five contests. Stockton held the Lions to just 4-22 (18.2%) shooting from behind the arc in the game.
 
Morrone added 14 points to the cause, with seven rebounds and tying LaRosa with three steals, Sacco tallied 13 points, dished a game-high seven helpers, and pilfered a pair of steals. Hill and Ionyonia Alves (Mays Landing/Oakcrest lead all players with eight rebounds.
 
Julia Setaro toped TVCNJ with 14 points as the only player in double figures for the visitors.
 
 Stockton will play their second straight home game on Saturday, when the Ospreys will take on Montclair State for a 3 pm matchup.