Third-Quarter Surge Puts Army Past NJIT

Wednesday, November 22

West Point, NY

5 PM

Army West Point

3-2

NJIT

0-5

NJIT

ARMY

Third-Quarter Surge Puts Army Past NJIT

November 22, 2017 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – The Army West Point women's basketball team took a four-point lead into the half, but following a 28-6 run that spanned the length of the third quarter, the Black Knights were able to blow past NJIT, 79-49, in a non-conference game on Wednesday night at Christl Arena.

It was a tale of two halves for the Black Knights (3-2), who saw their slim lead extend to double-digits in the third quarter after connecting on 13 of their 19 shots. The Army defense that allowed 35 first-half points, buckled down and limited the Highlanders (0-5) to a dismal 14 total points in the final two quarters of action.

The Black Knights received production from a bevy of sources, including Madison Hovren, who poured in 21 points to go along with 13 rebounds to lead the game in both categories.

Ten other Cadets contributed to the team's season-high point total. Aliyah Murray finished with nine points, eight rebounds and four steals, while Libby Tacka handed out eight assists to pair with eight points. Janae McNeal also added eight points and four assists.

ARMY HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES

Hovren reached double-digit points for the fifth time this season and recorded her 20th career double-double.
The junior forward has led the Black Knights in scoring in four consecutive games.
Tacka's eight assists were a new career high.
Army scored 28 points in the third quarter, the most in a single quarter since Dec. 30, 2016 against Lehigh.
The Black Knights captured their second consecutive victory by a margin of 30 points or better.
It was the first time since the 2015-16 season that an Army team defeated two straight opponents by 30 or more points.
Army is now 3-0 at Christl Arena this season.
The Black Knights' defense held NJIT to 12-percent shooting (4-for-33) in the second half.
The defense limited the Highlanders to six third-quarter points.
It was the fewest points allowed in a quarter by an Army team since Feb. 5, 2017 against Holy Cross.
Army recorded over 50 rebounds for the second straight outing.
The Black Knights had 23 assists on 31 made shots.
The 79 points was the most by Army this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

It was a first quarter to forget for the Black Knights' offense that shot just 33 percent from the field. On the other end, NJIT efficiently put points on the board by connecting on eight-of-13 shots.
Despite being outshot, Army still managed to hold a one-point advantage, 18-17, at the end of the opening quarter due to NJIT's fouling issues.
Army went to the line eight times in the frame and added five points from the charity stripe.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair that saw five lead changes in the first six minutes. However, trailing by three, 35-32, with two minutes remaining in the half, Tacka began to orchestrate the Army offense.
The sophomore guard assisted on all four of the team's makes and helped the Cadets close out the half on a 9-2 run to regain the lead.
Army's offense did not slow down when the team came back onto the court to start the new half. After NJIT opened the third quarter with a pair of free throws, the Black Knights put up 13 unanswered points.
Dez Allen scored inside for the Highlanders to end the scoreless drought, but the Black Knights then went on another 13-0 run that spanned over four minutes and pushed the lead to 26, 65-39.
Army had a poor shooting performance in the final quarter of play, but the defense did not allow NJIT to put a dent into the lead as the Highlanders went 2-for-18 (11.1%) in the fourth.
With a commanding lead, the Black Knights closed out the game and picked up their second straight victory.

UP NEXT
After the Thanksgiving break, the Black Knights will be on the road and headed to New Haven, Conn., for a matchup with Yale slated for 2 p.m. on Sunday.