DANBURY, CONN. – The New Jersey City University men's basketball team continued its impressive surge on Monday evening, earning its seventh consecutive victory with a 49–37 win over Muhlenberg College on the opening day of the WestConn Holiday Classic, hosted by Western Connecticut State University at the William A. O'Neill Center.
With the victory, the Gothic Knights improved to 9–2 overall and remained unbeaten in New Jersey Athletic Conference play at 5–0. The seven-game winning streak marks NJCU's longest since the 2017–18 season where they won nine-straight to start the season. Tonight's contest also marked the first-ever meeting between NJCU and Muhlenberg.
The Gothic Knights shot 35.2 percent (19-for-54) from the field, including 27.3 percent (3-for-11) from three-point range, while converting 61.5 percent (8-for-13) of their free throws. Muhlenberg struggled offensively against NJCU's pressure defense, shooting just 25.9 percent (14-for-54) overall and 11.5 percent (3-for-26) from beyond the arc. The Mules finished 6-for-9 (66.7 percent) from the free-throw line.
The Gothic Knights controlled the majority of the game's key statistical categories, outscoring the Mules 18–6 in points off turnovers, 12–4 in second-chance points, 13–5 in bench scoring, and 30–20 in points in the paint. Muhlenberg held a slight edge in fast-break points, 9–6.
Senior guard Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) led NJCU, delivering a strong all-around performance with 19 points, four assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Rogers-Robinson has now scored in double figures in all 11 games this season, averaging 24.1 points per contest. Freshman Isaiah Green (Orange, N.J./Hillside) provided a significant spark off the bench, recording a season-high nine points and adding two rebounds. Junior Donovan Crawford (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) contributed six points while leading the team with seven rebounds, along with two assists and a steal. Sophomore Matt McSorley (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) anchored the defensive effort, posting a career-high four steals.
Muhlenberg was paced by Drew Buck, who finished with 14 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. Peter Stanton-Shepherd and Jack Woodard combined for 16 rebounds and 12 points, with Stanton-Shepherd also recording a team-high two steals. Nate Hoffman facilitated the offense for the Mules, totaling three assists, four rebounds, one steal, and four points.
The opening half was tightly contested, with neither team able to create significant separation. After the game was tied at 10 with 12:18 remaining in the half, NJCU went on a 10–3 run to claim its largest lead of the period at 20–13. The run featured contributions from Brince Shelton (Brooklyn, N.Y./George Westinghouse), Raymond Ezike (Newark, N.J./Westside), Mekhi Philogene (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bright School), and Isaiah Green (Orange, N.J./Hillside). Muhlenberg responded with a 7–0 run of its own to knot the score at 20. The Gothic Knights closed the half with a slim 24–23 advantage heading into the break.
Muhlenberg opened the second half with momentum, using an 8–3 run to take a 31–27 lead—its first since the opening minutes of the game. Rogers-Robinson quickly answered, scoring six unanswered points to swing the lead back in NJCU's favor, 33–31. Green followed with a personal 7–0 run, extending the Gothic Knights' lead to 40–31 and giving NJCU control of the game.
The Mules trimmed the deficit to seven points with 6:27 remaining, but Rogers-Robinson again delivered in a critical moment, scoring six straight points to give NJCU its first double-digit lead of the night at 46–33. After Muhlenberg cut the margin to 11 with 3:30 left, Rogers-Robinson sealed the victory by knocking down a three-pointer with 2:14 remaining, pushing the lead to a game-high 49–35. Muhlenberg added a fast-break layup in the final 30 seconds, but the outcome was no longer in doubt as NJCU secured the 49–37 win.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Tuesday, Dec. 30, when they face host Western Connecticut State in the championship game of the WestConn Holiday Classic. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 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.
