SPARKILL, N.Y. (Jan. 21, 2017) – The Molloy women's basketball team (16-4) continued their streak, picking up their eighth consecutive win, besting the Spartans of Saint Thomas Aquinas 67-53. The Lions were able to even the season series between the two teams, and move to second-place in the East Coast Conference with a record of 8-2.

Graduate student Kamala Thompson (Selden, N.Y.) powered the offense, topping the scoresheet with both points (20) and rebounds (12) for the double-double. Senior Aliyah McDonald (Hempstead, N.Y.) totaled 17 points, seven boards, and a game-leading eight helpers in a complete 40 minutes.

The maroon and white exploded to a 20-9 lead in an opening quarter that saw 13 points from Thompson, who sunk three straight three-pointers. The offense struggled in the second, totaling only 11 points and not scoring at all in the final four minutes of the opening half. The Lions held a 31-28 advantage heading into halftime.

Adiya Henderson (Troy, N.Y.) brought the Spartans within one point with a layup to open the third frame, but Molloy pushed back ahead by seven following two jumpers from McDonald and foul shots from sophomore Ihnacinse Grady (Amityville, N.Y.). STAC, however, took advantage of Molloy's aggressive defensive play and was able to tie the game 42-42 following six consecutive made free throws. Freshman Maya Joyner (North Babylon, N.Y.) sunk free throws of her own to send the Lions into the final quarter up 44-42.

Molloy opened the final frame on a 13-3 run, featuring back-to-back three-pointers from freshman Kathryn Gibson (Neponsit, N.Y.), and field goals from McDonald, Joyner, and senior Shantana Kanhoye (South Richmond Hill, N.Y.). A pair of field goals from graduate Jessica Kalbfleisch (Ridge, N.Y.) and foul shots from McKayla Hernandez (Windermere, Fla.) pushed the Lions ahead by 15 points with just over a minute to play. McDonald would close the game with four points for Molloy, who walked away with the 67-53 victory.

The Lions will continue the second half of their conference schedule on Saturday (Jan. 28), as they welcome Roberts Wesleyan College to Quealy Gymnasium. The teams are scheduled to tip-off at 12:00 p.m.