SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University women's basketball team faced off in its second and final game of the Optimist Classic, against the College of New Jersey, on Saturday evening. The Sea Gulls, who fell to Hamilton College by just two points Friday evening, came away with a 53-49 victory to improve their overall record to 4-1.

Salisbury dominated the start of the game, outscoring TNCJ 12-2 in the first seven minutes; the Lions (3-4) responded quickly, though, scoring eight straight points and tying up the game with six minutes remaining in the half. The Lions were able to make a run to close the first 20 minutes and entered the locker room at halftime with a 25-16 lead. Senior forwards Janay Johnson (Baltimore, Md.) and Kylie Hall (Baltimore, Md.) each scored eight points apiece in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Sea Gulls slowly started to chip away at the Lions' lead in the second half, led by Hall. She posted her fourth double-double in five games, scoring 16 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. Sophomore guard Glen Charlton (Landover, Md.) (13 points) ignited the Sea Gulls by hitting a clutch jumper with 13 minutes left to play to tie up the game at 32 apiece; Johnson laid the ball in less than a minute later to give the Sea Gulls their first lead of the second half. Both scores were part of a 14-0 Sea Gull run. TCNJ attempted to make a comeback, but a solid Salisbury defense and an aggressive offense gave the Sea Gulls the momentum they needed to secure the win. Johnson also posted a double-double in the win against the Lions, netting 16 points and scooping up 12 rebounds and was named to the All-Classic Team.

Last year, TNCJ advanced to the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III tournament. Earlier this evening, Hamilton defeated Lehman College by a score of 75-49.

Salisbury will next be in action on Wednesday, Dec. 9, when the Sea Gulls travel to St. Mary's (Md.) College.

All-Classic Team:

Salisbury- Janay Johnson
TNCJ- Kelsey Kutch
Hamilton- Madie Harlem
Frostburg- Caryn Wright
Lehman- Dorothy Hunte