MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The Neumann University Women's Basketball team were handed a 76-62 defeat on Tuesday afternoon in the finale of the Mike Scala Memorial Tournament against the hosts, Montclair State University.
 
Montclair State started off the game with a 9-2 run over the first 3:01 of the game, setting the tone for the afternoon. Neumann scored six of the next nine to pull back within three but gave up the next nine points to fall behind 21-8 with 3:31 remaining in the quarter. The teams exchanged baskets for the rest of the period with the Red Hawks grabbing a 26-14 edge.
 
The Knights got back on track to start the second with a 10-3 run over the first 3:16 to pull within five points. With just over five minutes left in the half, and Montclair State holding a seven-point lead, they pulled away again with eight consecutive points to surge ahead 40-25. Neumann went on a 6-1 run, but the Red Hawks notched a last second layup for a 43-31 lead at the break.
 
After scoring the third quarter's first three points, Montclair State went off on a 15-4 run to go up by 20, halfway through the period.  Neumann responded with an 8-5 run but were behind by a score of 65-46 heading into the last 10 minutes.
 
Neumann started a comeback attempt in the fourth, putting together a 9-2 run over the first 5:39. After two Red Hawk layups, the Knights got within 11 on the strength of a 7-2 run, but they would run out of time.
 
Emily DuPont led with 13 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Jess Aponik, Jenna Aponik, and Bri Gautier contributed eight points each. Madi Kamulda, in addition to her six points, led with two steals.
 
Neumann (2-9) will try to get back into the win column on Wednesday, January 7^th when they open Atlantic East Conference play with a home game against Immaculata University. The opening tip is scheduled for 5:00 PM at the Mirenda Center.