BLOOMFIELD, N.J. - In a defensive battle, the Caldwell College women's basketball team outlasted Bloomfield College, 53-36 in an important Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest Thursday evening at the Bloomfield Gymnasium. With the victory, the Cougars (14-7 overall, 8-5 CACC) take over sole possession of second place in the CACC North Division from the host Lady Deacons, who fall to 9-11, 6-5 CACC.

The first half was marred by poor shooting, as the teams combined to make just 18.6 percent from the field for the half. The Cougars managed to take a 21-17 lead at the break, holding the Lady Deacons to four field goals in 28 attempts. Caldwell's lead remained four into the second half at 28-24 with 14:22 on the clock when the Cougars went on a 11-2 run to lead 39-26 midway through the half. The advantage would expand to as many as 19 points, as Caldwell completed the season sweep of Bloomfield with a 17-point victory. The 36 points are the fewest allowed by the Cougars since a 77-33 triumph over Nyack College on Feb. 14, 2004.

Senior guards Khaliqa Davis (Newark, NJ/Bloomfield Tech) and Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) scored nine points apiece for Caldwell. Senior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle), pictured, and junior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) each pulled down 10 rebounds to help the Cougars dominate the boards, 50-37. Shantae Barnes and Jaleesa Coleman scored six points apiece to pace Bloomfield.

The Cougars play at Nyack College on Saturday, Feb. 9. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.