JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team opened its 2025-26 season in dominant fashion, defeating Pratt Institute 81-70 on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. Senior guard Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) delivered a sensational performance, pouring in a career-high 39 points along with four steals to propel the Gothic Knights (1-0) to victory in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

The Gothic Knights were efficient on both ends of the floor, shooting 45.1% (23-of-51) from the field and an impressive 45% (9-of-20) from beyond the arc. They also converted 66.7% (26-of-39) of their free throws. Pratt (0-1) put up a strong fight, matching NJCU's offensive energy by shooting 46.7% (21-of-45) from the floor and 45.5% (10-of-22) from three-point range, while hitting 75% (18-of-24) at the free-throw line.

NJCU capitalized in key statistical areas, holding advantages in bench points (22-9), points in the paint (22-20), and fast-break points (13-11). Pratt managed slight edges in points off turnovers (19-18) and second-chance points (7-4).

Rogers-Robinson was unstoppable throughout the contest, shooting 10-of-17 from the field, 4-of-5 from long distance, and 15-of-18 from the free-throw line. His 39-point outburst was complemented by four steals, three rebounds, and two assists in 35 minutes of play. Junior forward Donovan Crawford (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) provided steady support with 10 points, a team-high five rebounds, and three steals, while junior Marc Brown Jr. controlled the pace of the offense with six assists, seven points, and two steals. Freshman Mekhi Philogene (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bright School) also made a strong impact off the bench, contributing timely scoring and energy during key stretches.

For Pratt, Elijah Fermaint led the way with 18 points and three rebounds, while Cameron Hatcher added 17 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Trey Phillips notched a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, along with two blocked shots to anchor the Cannoneers' interior defense.

The game opened with NJCU seizing momentum early. Senior Raymond Ezike (Newark, N.J./Westside) won the opening tip, leading to a quick layup from Rogers-Robinson to put the Gothic Knights on the board first. The two teams traded baskets for much of the first half, with neither side able to establish a commanding lead. With 7:53 remaining in the half and the score tied at 24, Rogers-Robinson drained a three-pointer, followed by a mid-range jumper from Philogene, to give NJCU a five-point advantage. Pratt battled back late, trimming the deficit to three before halftime, but the Gothic Knights held firm to take a narrow lead into the break.

In the second half, NJCU maintained control while fending off multiple Pratt rallies. A layup from Brown Jr. gave the Gothic Knights a six-point cushion at the 14:52 mark, but Pratt responded with a quick burst — two made free throws and a fast-break layup by Mekhi Davis — to make it a two-point game, 51-49, with just under 13 minutes remaining. The Gothic Knights quickly regained their rhythm behind their perimeter shooting, as back-to-back three-pointers from Philogene and Rogers-Robinson extended the lead to nine, 65-56, with just over seven minutes to play.

Down the stretch, the Cannoneers continued to fight, cutting the lead to four on a thunderous dunk by Phillips with 1:08 left in regulation (74-70). But Rogers-Robinson closed the door on any comeback hopes, scoring the final seven points of the game — five of them from the free-throw line — to secure the 81-70 victory and give NJCU its first win of the season.

UP NEXT:
NJCU returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they host Farmingdale State in a non-conference matchup scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.