CAMDEN, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team narrowly defeated Rutgers-Camden 57-56 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game on Jan. 15, 2025, at the Athletic and Fitness Center in Camden, N.J. With the win, NJCU improved to 11-4 overall and 6-2 in NJAC play, while Rutgers-Camden fell to 5-9, 0-8 in the conference.

NJCU shot 48.8% from the field (20-41), 20% from three-point range (1-5), and 76.2% from the free-throw line (16-21). In contrast, Rutgers-Camden shot 40.4% from the field (19-47), 33.3% from beyond the arc (6-18), and 70.6% from the free-throw line (12-17). The Gothic Knights outlasted the Scarlet Raptors in rebounds (28-25) and bench points (19-15). However, Rutgers-Camden led in assists (12-8), turnovers (24-26), points off turnovers (27-20), and second-chance points (8-6).

Senior forward Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) led NJCU with a season-high 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting, adding two rebounds and two assists. Guards Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) and Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) also contributed double-digit points, each scoring 13. Rogers-Robinson added four rebounds and three steals, while Wilson recorded two rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Senior guard Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) posted a team-high five rebounds and two blocks.

For Rutgers-Camden, Cameron Downs led the way with 14 points (6-11 FG), six rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Javon Gordon and Cherif Kanoute added nine points each, with Gordon also contributing three rebounds and two assists, and Kanoute adding three rebounds and two steals.

The game started with Rutgers-Camden going on a strong 7-0 run, but an and-one play by junior Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) sparked a 7-0 response from NJCU, tying the game at 15:09. The teams exchanged baskets for much of the first half, with Rutgers-Camden maintaining a competitive edge. However, NJCU seized their first lead with a basket from Gilbert at the 9-minute mark (16-15). This shot ignited an 11-0 run, with Gilbert contributing six points during the stretch, pushing NJCU's lead to 24-15. Rutgers-Camden responded with a 6-0 run to trim the deficit to three points by halftime, 26-23.

In the second half, Rogers-Robinson hit two free throws with 15:33 remaining, sparking a 6-0 run to give NJCU a seven-point advantage (37-30) with 13:43 left. After three scoreless minutes, senior guard Isaiah Johnson-Williams (Jersey City, N.J./Don Bosco) made two free throws, extending the lead to nine, the largest of the game. Rutgers-Camden answered with a 7-2 run, narrowing the deficit to 41-37. The Scarlet Raptors then grabbed their first lead of the second half with 3:11 remaining, as Javon Gordon scored to put them up 50-49.

NJCU fought back and secured the victory with key baskets from Gilbert, Wilson, and senior guard Brendan Kelly. The Gothic Knights held on for a 57-56 victory, marking their fifth consecutive win.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will return to action on Sat., January 18, for a 3:00 p.m. NJAC matchup against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.
 
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