GLASSBORO, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team secured its third consecutive victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Rowan University, 85–72, inside Esbjornson Gymnasium. With the win, the Gothic Knights improve to 5–2 overall and 3–0 in New Jersey Athletic Conference action.

NJCU delivered one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting 54.85% (32–65) from the field and 88.24% (19–23) at the free-throw line. Despite their struggles from long distance (2–13), the Gothic Knights compensated by dominating the interior, outscoring Rowan 52–40 in the paint. The Profs, still seeking their first win of the season, shot 24.28% (26–58) from the field and 20% (5–25) from beyond the arc while knocking down 15 of 21 free throws (71.4%).

NJCU won several key statistical battles, including points off turnovers (18–15) and second-chance points (19–12). Rowan held slim advantages in bench production (22–18) and fast-break points (15–12).

Senior Arterio Williams (Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West) led the Gothic Knights with a career-best 15 points, shooting 5-for-8 from the floor and 5-for-6 at the line while adding seven rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Junior Brice Shelton followed with 14 points, and classmate Donovan Crawford (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) delivered a season-high 13 points and nine boards. Sophomore Marc Brown Jr. contributed a career-high 13 points, along with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Senior Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) rounded out the balanced attack with 12 points and a game-high five assists.

Rowan was paced by Brycen Williams, who scored 15 points, while Michael Pirone added 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The duo of Ife Okebiorun and Taz Cantey combined for 22 points, six rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals.
The first half featured steady back-and-forth play before Shelton converted off a Brown Jr. steal to give NJCU a 21–19 lead with 8:27 left. Rowan responded with a 13–2 surge to build its largest lead of the game at 32–23. The Gothic Knights chipped away late, with Shelton scoring inside to cut the deficit to two possessions, and moments later Junior Jayden Brown (Teaneck, N.J./Immaculate Conception) setting up sophomore Matt McSorley (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) for a bucket in the paint. Rowan closed the half with a three-pointer to take a 41–35 advantage into the locker room.

NJCU opened the second half with renewed energy, using a 9–2 run—capped by three straight points from Williams—to reclaim the lead at 44–43. With 13:39 remaining, Williams knocked down a jumper to ignite a 7–0 spurt. He then found senior Ray Ezike for a basket before freshman Mekhi Philogene (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bright School) extended the margin to seven with a fast-break layup off a Rogers-Robinson steal. Philogene struck again from deep at the 10:28 mark, pushing the advantage to 65–55.

Rowan briefly threatened with a late 5–0 run to pull within two possessions, but NJCU responded with poise. Rogers-Robinson scored four straight points to rebuild a nine-point cushion with 3:46 remaining, and the Gothic Knights closed out the contest with nine consecutive free throws and a powerful Williams dunk to seal the 85–72 conference road victory.

UP NEXT:
NJCU returns home on Wednesday, Dec. 10, hosting Stockton at 7:30 p.m. inside the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center for another NJAC matchup.
 
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