GLASSBORO, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team fell to Rowan University in an NJAC matchup on Saturday, January 25, losing 74-70 at Esbjornson Gymnasium. Senior guard Isaiah Johnson-Williams (Jersey City, N.J./Don Bosco) led the Gothic Knights with a career-high 19 points, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-5 from beyond the arc.

Rowan (10-8, 7-4 NJAC) shot 44.1% from the field (26-59), 33.3% from three-point range (8-24), and 70% from the free throw line (14-20). NJCU (11-7, 6-5 NJAC) shot 41.7% from the field (25-60), 44.4% from three-point range (8-18), and 57.1% from the charity stripe (12-21).

The Profs edged the Green and Gold in several categories, including points off turnovers (12-11), second-chance points (11-9), points in the paint (36-28), and fast-break points (10-9). However, NJCU dominated in bench points, outscoring Rowan 33-21.

In addition to Johnson-Williams' standout performance, Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) contributed 15 points, three rebounds, and a block. Senior guards Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) and Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) each tallied 11 points. Lewis also recorded five rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Wilson added four boards and a game-high five assists. Junior guard Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) chipped in nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

For Rowan, Brycen Williams led the charge with 17 points and two rebounds, while Khalif Meares contributed 14 points, a game-high seven rebounds, and Dan Mason added 10 points and seven rebounds. Taz Cantey rounded out the Profs' effort with 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

The game started with Rowan opening on a 7-0 run, but Johnson-Williams sparked NJCU's response with a basket that ignited a 7-0 run of their own, with Gilbert adding five of those points. Rogers-Robinson tied the game at 14 with a three-pointer and gave NJCU a brief 16-14 lead after converting two free throws following a steal. The Gothic Knights extended their lead to 25-16 after back-to-back threes from Lewis, their largest lead of the first half. However, Rowan chipped away at the deficit, eventually taking a 34-33 lead into halftime.

The second half was a back-and-forth battle. With the score tied at 48, Rowan went on an 8-2 run to take their largest lead of the half, 56-50. The Gothic Knights rallied to tie the game at 61 with 4:43 left, but the Profs held on, outscoring NJCU down the stretch for the 74-70 victory.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 29, as they travel to Newark, N.J. to take on the Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders at 7:30 p.m.

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.