MAHWAH, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team fell short to Ramapo, 70-63, in an NJAC matchup on Jan. 22 at the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center. Despite a standout performance from senior guard Isaiah Johnson-Williams (Jersey City, N.J./Don Bosco), who recorded a career-high 16 points, the Gothic Knights (11-6, 6-4) couldn't overcome Ramapo's (13-4, 7-3) superior shooting and offensive efficiency. As a result, NJCU drops to sixth in the NJAC standings, while the Roadrunners ascend to the top spot.

Ramapo shot an impressive 48% from the field (24-50), 40% from three-point range (4-10), and 75% from the free-throw line (18-24). In contrast, NJCU struggled with their shooting, finishing at just 32.3% (20-62) from the field and 33.3% (5-15) from beyond the arc. Despite a solid 72% (18-25) from the free-throw line, the Gothic Knights couldn't keep up with the Roadrunners' overall offensive firepower.

One of the key differences in the game was Ramapo's ability to control the paint and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, outscoring NJCU 10-5 in second-chance points and dominating points in the paint (34-18). They also had an advantage in fast-break points (20-14). However, the Gothic Knights did manage to generate offense off turnovers, with a 16-13 advantage in points off turnovers, and had a significant bench scoring edge, outscoring Ramapo 40-3 in that category.

Isaiah Johnson-Williams (Jersey City, N.J./Don Bosco) led the way offensively for NJCU with 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-8 from three-point range, all while coming off the bench. Senior forward Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) added 14 points and five rebounds, while junior guard Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and a game-high three assists off the bench. Junior center Raymond Ezike (Newark, N.J./Westside) led NJCU on the boards with seven rebounds, while senior guard Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) added six. Junior guard Payton Prime also played an important role defensively, recording a season-high three steals, the most in the game.

Ramapo was led by Peter Gorman, who scored a game-high 25 points (9-of-14 shooting) and grabbed four rebounds, while Jordan Myers stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and two assists. Shane Rooney added 13 points and three rebounds, while Anthony Corbo contributed eight rebounds and two blocks. Justin Bladen led the Roadrunners in both assists (3) and steals (3).

The game's turning point came early, as Ramapo opened with a dominant 29-5 run, forcing NJCU into a timeout with 6:56 remaining in the first half. Following the timeout, the Gothic Knights responded with a burst of energy, sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Johnson-Williams and Payton Prime, cutting the deficit to 29-11. NJCU would go on to close the half with a 24-6 run, cutting the lead to just six points at halftime (35-29), with Johnson-Williams leading the way with nine first-half points.

The second half saw a more competitive back-and-forth exchange. Johnson-Williams knocked down a three-pointer to open the half, cutting the deficit to just three points (35-32), and NJCU remained in striking distance. However, Ramapo's free-throw shooting, including five consecutive made free throws late in the game, extended their lead to nine points with 2:48 remaining (66-57). NJCU didn't go down without a fight, as senior guard Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) forced a turnover and scored on a fast-break layup to make it a two-possession game. But a clutch three-pointer from Ramapo with 12 seconds left sealed the win for the Roadrunners.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights look to rebound when they travel to Rowan on Saturday, Jan. 25, for a 1:00 p.m. NJAC matchup.

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