Toms River, NJ - Ocean County College Women's Basketball (6-2) upset nationally-ranked #9 Passaic County Community College (12-1) in a 76-69 win on Thursday (12/12).
Ocean sophomore Shaunna Bruker earned her 8th straight double-double of the season this evening, in a 25-point, 23 rebound performance, while sophomore Molly Collins and freshman Allie Toth contributed 21 points each in a matchup that was fought tooth and nail from beginning to end, with Ocean and Passaic battling through 8 ties and 9 lead changes before the final buzzer sounded. Bruker, a graduate of Brick Memorial H.S., is currently ranked 12th in the nation in points per game (23.4) and 1st in rebounds per game (22.3).
The win marks Ocean's 6th of the season, a marked turnaround from the team's 2018-19 campaign, in which they finished with an overall record of 1-20. "Tonight's game was the epitome of how women's college basketball can bring about the best thrills and emotions!", remarked first-year OCC Head Coach Darnell Williams. "Our girls managed to stay level-headed against a team with an intimidating record! They continued to pick each other! A game like this reminds me of my favorite quote: "Champions are crowned when no one is watching!" No, we are not champs, and there is a long road ahead, but I believe how you practice and prepare is a true reflection of a team. I am beyond proud of our players. Our guard game continues to be successful. Allie Toth had a lot to prove in this game, because the game prior she was held under double digits. I am proud in particular of how the team never backed down. We set our goals and we're afraid to work hard!"
The Vikings return to the court on Saturday, December 14th, when they host EPAC's Northampton Community College in a 12 p.m. matchup.