WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Junior Micahya Owens nailed a three-pointer with 26 seconds remaining to tally her 1,000th career point as the La Salle women's basketball team defeated Monmouth 65-50 for the Hawk Holiday Classic title on Wednesday afternoon. 

Owens entered the game needing eight points to become the 24th Explorer to score 1,000 career points. The junior finished with nine points, all on three-pointers, three rebounds and two assists. 

"It's great to get a win, it's even greater with Micahya getting her 1,000th career point," said head coach Jeff Williams. "She's been tremendous for us and I'm really happy for her." 

Amy Griffin helped the Explorers get off to a strong start, scoring 15 of her career-high 31 points in the opening half. The sophomore finished 13-of-26 from the field and pulled down nine rebounds. 

Jasmine Alston also reached a career-high for the Explorers, dishing out 11 assists to eclipse her previous high of nine. The junior finished also finished with nine rebounds. 

The Explorers who led for most of the game, took the lead for good on an Adreana Miller three-pointer with 8:26 left in the 2nd quarter. Although the Hawks stayed within striking distance through the end of the 3rd quarter, La Salle put the game away with an 8-0 run early in the 4th quarter to push the lead to 12. 

"This is a huge win for us, it gives us momentum going into conference play," added Williams.  

The Explorers open Atlantic 10 conference play this weekend as they host the Richmond Spiders on Saturday at 11 a.m.