WILLIMANTIC, Conn. — The New Jersey City University men's basketball program played its 11th game of the season today, Thursday, Dec. 29, as the Gothic Knights competed in the First Round of the Eastern Holiday Invitational. NJCU fought hard in the afternoon clash, but ultimately fell host Eastern Connecticut State University, 73-61. The squad will now face off with SUNY New Paltz in the consolation game.
Junior forwards
Ryan Savoy (Lakewood, N.J./Lakewood) and
Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) led the way for the Green and Gold (6-5) as each chipped in a team-high-tying 12 points on efficient shooting performances. Savoy, meanwhile, also turned aside a team-best three shots to go with a pair of steals and five boards. The Warriors (4-7) led by as many as 12 late in the first, 33-21 with 3:59 remaining, however the Gothic Knights closed out the half strong with a 7-2 run to cut the lead to seven at 35-28 — Savoy had four of those seven points.
Jersey City cut the lead down to five on several occasions to start the second half, including as late as 13:55 remaining with the score at 46-41. Unfortunately, ECSU eventually stretched its lead back out to double digits at 54-43 with 11:44 left in the contest, and the Gothic Knights were unable to chip the deficit back down to single digits for the remainder.
Highlights:
- Senior co-captain guard
Jason Battle (Jersey City, N.J./Roselle Catholic) saw a team-high 27 minutes on the floor, chipping in eight points, four rebounds, two assists and a game- and season-best five steals.
- Fellow senior co-captain forward
Kayton Darley (North Bergen, N.J./North Bergen) also chipped in eight points.
- Senior forward
Yvens Monfleury (Newark, N.J./American History) dominated the boards and pulled down a season-best, game-high-tying and team-best 12 rebounds to go with a team-best three assists, one block and six points.
Up Next:
As mentioned, Jersey City will now take on the Hawks of New Paltz in the Eastern Holiday Invite Consolation matchup. NJCU and New Paltz are scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. tipoff on Friday afternoon, Dec. 30, in Willimantic. The 7-3 Hawks lost to #9 Middlebury College in the First Round today by a similar score of 77-61.
