BLOOMFIELD, N.J.- The Bloomfield College women's basketball team extended their winning streak to five games in a 76-69 win over Philadelphia University Thursday evening. Sophomore guard, Tianna Smith (Nanuet, N.Y.) led the Bears with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting while dishing out 5 assists. Smith reached the 20-point plateau for third consecutive game. Classmate Morgan Taylor (Paterson, N.J.) added in 18 points, along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the win.
 
The first half saw six lead changes as these two conference powerhouse teams battled it out. The Rams went up 24-16 with 8:21 left in the opening period after a 10-2 run. That lead was relinquished almost immediately by an 8-0 spurt by the Bears sparked by Iman Williams (Chesapeake, V.A.). Bloomfield's last 8 points came from down low, sending them into the break with a 35-30 lead.
 
Assistant coach, Justin Pacovsky said the team rebounded very well during his halftime interview as the Bears won the rebounding margin in the first half 19-9. Senior center, Tierra Scott (Bear, D.E.) was the main reason for this, as she grabbed seven rebounds on the game while scoring twelve points. The rebounding edge helped the Bears shut down the Rams second chance scoring opportunities. Philadelphia University came away with no offensive rebounds and no second chance points in the first frame. Pacovsky expressed that Bloomfield's prevention of the Rams driving to the rim is what ultimately gave them the lead at the half.
 
Bloomfield came out of the break strong on the offensive side, shooting 58 percent from the field in the final frame. The Bears led by as many as eleven points (58-47) in period two with 8:37 on the clock after an Ariel Wilson (Chesapeake, V.A.) layup. The Rams came charging back late, cutting the deficit to just three (69-66) with 2:13 left to play led by Monica Schacker (Doylestown, P.A.). Philadelphia's comeback attempt fell short as a tough Bear's defense surrendered just three points in the final 2 minutes of play to secure the win. Schacker finished with a game-high 26 points, connecting on 5-of-9 from three for the Rams in the setback.
 
With the win the Bears remain atop the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) North Division, improving to 14-3 in conference play, and 16-8 overall. Philadelphia University falls to 18-6 overall, 12-4 in conference action and still second in the CACC South Division.
 
The Bears will look to extend their winning streak to six games this Saturday, Feb. 21st as they travel to the City of Brotherly Love to face the number one team in the CACC South, USciences at 1:00pm.
 
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(story written by Mark Reyes - Sports Information Department intern)