NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The New Jersey City University men's basketball team returned to action following a 12-day respite on Thursday, Dec. 28, competing in the first round of the Captains Classic, hosted by #12 Christopher Newport University. The Gothic Knights faced off with Stevenson University and, despite a late comeback, suffered a 76-63 loss at the hands of the Mustangs.

Overall, NJCU (3-9) had eight players score in double figures, led by 12 points off the bench from leading-scorer, senior forward Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International). Junior forward Ryan Savoy (Lakewood, N.J./Lakewood) scored 10 points in a team-high 32 minutes on the floor, adding a game-best 13 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. In his NCAA debut, junior transfer guard Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) chipped in 10 points in his first game with the Green and Gold.

The Gothic Knights led by as many as three points early on against the Mustangs (6-4), but fell behind by 17 at the beginning of the second half. NJCU chipped away at that deficit throughout the half and came as close as seven points with 1:17 to go in regulation. Stevenson, however, hit its free throws down the stretch to lock up the win.

Up Next:
After the hosting-Captains defeated The College at Old Westbury in the second game of the day, 102-56, to lock up a spot in the Championship Game, the Gothic Knights will now face off with the aforementioned Panthers tomorrow afternoon, Friday, Dec. 29, at 3:00 p.m. in the consolation. The two programs have not met since 2013.