LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – A strong defensive effort propelled the Rider University women's basketball team past hOURglass rival Monmouth, 48-25, on Saturday afternoon in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) action inside Alumni Gymnasium.
 
The Broncs (17-2, 10-0 MAAC) won their program-record 14th straight game, while the Hawks (5-15, 2-9 MAAC) suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
 
Rider held Monmouth to just over 15 percent (8-of-52) shooting in the game en route to a dominate win. The Broncs forced 16 Hawk turnovers and surrendered just one made basket in both the second and fourth quarters.
 
Rider broke open up a nine-point halftime lead thanks to outscoring Monmouth, 17-5, in the third frame.
 
Three Broncs scored in double figures in the win led by Stella Johnson (Denville, NJ/Morris Catholic) with a game-high 16 points. Lea Favre (Vevey, Switzerland/Lycee Jeanne D'Arc) added 15 points, while Amari Johnson (Red Lion, PA/Dallastown) recorded her MAAC-leading 13th double-double of the season thanks to an 11-point, 11-rebound performance.
 
NOTES & QUOTES
"I thought today defensively we were locked in. We took away some of the looks that they wanted. Offensively, I thought we were flow and took great shots, they just didn't fall. We know we can always rely on our defense. We did a terrific job defending them, particularly in the third quarter." – Rider Head Coach Lynn Milligan
 
- The Broncs have won six of the last seven meetings with Monmouth.
- Rider is 10-0 in MAAC play for the first time in program history.
- The Broncs improved to 9-0 at home. It is the first time the team has won its first nine home games in a season since the 1992-93 campaign.
- Rider held Monmouth to 10 points or fewer in all four quarters.
- Monmouth has played over 1,100 games as a Division I program, Saturday was the first time the Hawks failed to score at least 30 points.
- The 25 points allowed are the fewest by Rider under Milligan.
- It marked the second straight game in which Rider has held an opponent to 15 or fewer first-half points.
- It was the second time this year that the Broncs held an opponent to 16 percent shooting or worse.
- It was the second game in which the Broncs allowed only eight made field goals this season.
- The Broncs are now 15-0 this season when three or more players score in double figures.
 
BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- Stella Johnson had 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and four steals. She became the ninth player in MAAC Women's Basketball history to score 1,900 career points.
- Amari Johnson registered her sixth straight double-double. She also added four steals and one block on the defensive end. Her 13 double-doubles are the most by a Bronc since MyNeshia McKenzie had 19 during the 2013-14 season.
- Lea Favre has scored in double figures in 13 of the last 14 games. Rider has not lost since she joined the starting lineup.
 
UP NEXT
Rider returns to action on Thursday, February 6, with a road conference clash against hOURglass rival Saint Peter's. Opening tip is slated for 7:00 pm in Jersey City.