The Pioneers (5-5) jumped out to a strong start of 26-11 in the first 13 minutes, as they built a 38-25 halftime lead by shooting 47 percent (16-34).
Michelle Pellichero (Milltown, NJ/Bishop Ahr) scored 13 of her 20 points in the half by connecting for three 3-pointers during the early run.
The Bearcats (6-2), who saw their five-game winning streak snapped, struggled shooting all game (23-64 fg), but began a late rally after falling behind by 22-points on a layup by Kimberly Lavin (Denville, NJ/Morris Knolls) with 7:55 left.
Chiresse Paradise (Chicago, IL/Rich Central) led the charge by scoring 18 of her game-high 28 points down the stretch to get as close as 71-68 with 12 seconds left.
The Pioneers though would shut the door on the comeback by hitting 6-of-8 free throws in the final minute, including a Pellichero free throw with six seconds left to seal the win.
The Bearcats will now go on break for final exams and the holidays. They will resume playing on December 28, as they face SUNY-Oswego in the Amerisport Land of Magic Tournament in Daytona Beach, Florida.
William Paterson will also go on break and resume their schedule on December 29 in the Grand Canyon Sports Trip Classic in Phoenix, Arizona. They will open tournament play against Hunter College.