JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team was narrowly defeated by the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) 74-72 on Saturday, January 18, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. Despite leading for much of the game, the Gothic Knights (11-5, 6-3 NJAC) were edged in the final moments by the Lions in a hard-fought contest.
NJCU shot 44.6% from the field (25-56), which was higher than TCNJ's 38.4% (28-73). The Gothic Knights also outperformed TCNJ from the free throw line, converting 81.8% of their attempts (18-22), compared to the Lions' 55.6% (10-18). However, TCNJ had the edge in several other categories, including points off turnovers (15-6), second-chance points (15-7), and points in the paint (38-28). Bench scoring was a positive for NJCU, with the reserves contributing 27 points compared to TCNJ's 24.
Additionally, NJCU outpaced the Lions in fast break points (6-4), but TCNJ's overall hustle and key plays down the stretch proved to be decisive.
Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International), NJCU's senior forward, had a season-high performance, leading the team with 18 points on an efficient 8-10 shooting, along with a season-high seven rebounds and two steals. Senior guard
Isaiah Johnson-Williams (Jersey City, N.J./Don Bosco) came off the bench to contribute 14 points on 4-5 shooting, including 2-3 from beyond the arc along with five rebounds.
Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside), another senior guard, provided a well-rounded performance with 13 points and nine rebounds. He added a season-high five assists and three blocks.
For TCNJ, David Alexandre led the way with 17 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Jack Vreeswyk added 16 points, five rebounds, and a key steal that led to the game-winning basket. Matthew Okorie also contributed with 14 points and six rebounds, and Matthew Solomon recorded a game-high 15 rebounds, helping the Lions dominate the boards with a 46-35 advantage.
The game started with TCNJ establishing an 8-2 lead, but NJCU quickly responded. A basket from Gilbert ignited a 16-2 run, giving the Gothic Knights an 18-10 advantage with 13:12 remaining in the first half. However, TCNJ battled back, and by the 10:28 mark, the Lions had reclaimed the lead at 20-18. NJCU regained control shortly thereafter, using a 10-3 run sparked by Lewis to push ahead by nine points (30-21). TCNJ continued to fight, and despite NJCU's efforts, the Lions closed the gap to just two points, trailing 40-38 at halftime.
The second half saw NJCU initially extend its lead to 11 points with Gilbert's free throws at the 11:48 mark. TCNJ, however, did not relent and, after a dunk by TCNJ's Matthew Okorie at 8:17, cut the deficit to just four points. The Gothic Knights maintained their lead for much of the second half, but the Lions' persistence started to pay off. With 21 seconds remaining in the game, TCNJ's Nick Koch hit a layup that tied the game at 72-72, and the momentum shifted in the final moments. After an NJCU turnover, Vreeswyk stole the ball with six seconds left, driving to the basket for a fast-break layup that gave TCNJ a 74-72 lead. NJCU had one final opportunity to win the game, but the buzzer-beater attempt hit the back rim and missed, sealing the victory for TCNJ.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights will look to bounce back as they travel to Ramapo for a 7:30 p.m. matchup on Wednesday, January 22.
For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
