LAKEWOOD, NJ (Jan. 28, 2025) - For the second straight game, Georgian Court Women's Basketball valiantly fought to overcome a large first-half deficit, only to fall short in the end. Jefferson got out to a big lead on GCU in the first quarter, but the Lions continually chipped away. Despite their best efforts, the Lions couldn't quite get out of the large hole they dug and Jefferson pulled away late, 75-60.

How it Happened
• Jefferson had a terrific night shooting the ball, hitting 53.3% overall and were 4-7 from behind the arc.
• The Lions struggled overall at the beginning and end of the game and finished shooting 36.4%, making 5-20 from three.
• Neither team was at the line often. Jefferson finished 7-9 and the Lions 7-10.
• The Rams held a 40-32 edge rebounding the ball. The Lions were up 13-10 on the offensive glass, but it was Jefferson outscoring GCU 8-2 in second-chance points.
• Georgian Court again cut down on their turnovers, losing the ball just 11 times while forcing 13.
1st Quarter
• The first quarter was a blur and it looked like the game might be a rout. Jefferson raced out to an 18-4 lead with less than three minutes to play in the period.
• The final two minutes saw the Lions outscore the Rams 8-4, getting five points from Maria Stanescu in 39 seconds.
• Jefferson hit a bucket in the closing seconds to lead 22-12 through 10 minutes. The Rams shot 10-15 from the floor and made both three-point attempts.
2nd Quarter
• The lead hovered around 10 for much of the second quarter.
• GCU was 8-17 from the floor and Jefferson 7-15.
• Karissa Smedley and Alexi Hoy buried some threes in the second to keep the Lions close.
• Jade Dickson brought the lead down to nine, 39-30, with a layup as the half came to a close.
3rd Quarter
• The second half is when the Lions really started to dig into that Jefferson lead.
• Consecutive three-pointers from Hoy and Stanescu brought the Ram lead all the way down to four, 45-41, still with 6:40 to play in the third.
• Jefferson's offense cranked it back up again though, finishing the period 6-8 from the floor, 1-1 from three and 4-5 at the foul line.
• The Rams outscored the Lions 17-7 over the final six minutes, and the four-point deficit turned into a 14-point deficit following the third.
4th Quarter
• Imani Gillette made a layup to start the fourth, but then the Rams went on an 11-2 run and took their largest lead, 73-52 with 3:03 left.
• The Lions made some baskets to finish the game strong, but it wasn't enough in a 75-60 loss.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Imani Gillette finished 6-10 for 13 points with five rebounds and two blocked shots.
• Maria Stanescu also scored 13 going 5-12 overall with a pair of three-pointers and three steals.
• Karissa Smedley scored seven with seven rebounds.

For the Rams
• Emma Kuczynski was 7-12 overall and scored 18 points.
• Gabby Recinto scored 18 as well going 8-11 and pulled down 13 rebounds for a double-double.
• Cassie Murphy was 6-11 for 16 points with five rebounds.

News and Notes
• Georgian Court's 11 turnovers are one off of their fewest in a game this season.
• Their 28 turnovers over their last two games is their fewest in a two-game span this season.
• Imani Gillette surpassed 400 career points and 150 made field goals. 
• Karissa Smedley grabbed her 150th rebound and surpassed 1000 career minutes played.
• All-time the Lions fall to 6-33 against Jefferson.

Up Next
• As the calendar turns to February, Georgian Court has just two home games remaining. They're at Bridgeport this Saturday, Feb. 1 for a 1 pm tip off.