BRONX, N.Y. – The Neumann University women's basketball team returned to action after the Christmas break, dropping a 61-53 decision to William Paterson University in the first game of the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament, hosted by Lehman College on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Lauren Klieber led the Knights' attack with 14 points. Lindsay Holden added 10 points, with Emily DuPont contributing nine points to go along with six rebounds. Aubrie Breisblatt added eight points from the bench.
 
The teams opened the game by trading baskets. A three-pointer by Holden put the Knights up 5-4. The Pioneers answered with a 7-2 run to take an 11-7 advantage. A three-pointer by Klieber brought Neumann to within three, 13-10. William Paterson scored the final two points of the first half for a 15-10 lead.
 
Klieber opened the second half with a three-pointer, but that was as close as the Knights would get. The Pioneers held a lead as large as 12 a few times in the third quarter and took a 48-40 lead into the final quarter.
 
The Knights opened the final quarter scoring six of the first eight points to pull within four, 50-46. The Pioneers answered with an 8-2 run for a 58-48 lead with 3:12 left on the clock. Terea Hunt hit a layup and Jacqueline Wardrop a three-pointer for a 58-53 score with 2:14 remaining in regulation. William Paterson hit 3-of-4 from the free throw line in the final minute to seal the 61-53 win.
 
Neumann (5-6) will close out this week's Coaches vs. Cancer tournament in tomorrow's consolation game. The Knights will Penn College beginning at 12:00 PM.