JERSEY CITY, N.J. - New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team saw their season come to a close with a 69-65 loss to Salisbury University in the semifinals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament on Sunday, March 9, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

The loss marked the 11th meeting between the two teams, with their last matchup occurring 32 years ago in 1993. On this occasion, the Gothic Knights (14-13) shot 43.6% from the field (24-55), 46.7% from beyond the arc (7-15), and 76.9% from the free-throw line (10-13). In contrast, the Seagulls (18-10) shot 46.7% from the field (28-60), 60% from three-point range (6-10), and were perfect from the free-throw line (7-7).

Despite the loss, NJCU excelled in several areas, including points off turnovers (15-9), bench points (19-2), and fast-break points (12-10). However, Salisbury dominated in second-chance points (13-4) and points in the paint (40-16), which ultimately proved decisive.

The Gothic Knights were led by fifth-year forward Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International), who posted 17 points (7-9), six rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. Seniors Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) and Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) each contributed 12 points, with Lewis adding four rebounds and two assists, while Wilson registered four assists, two steals, and two rebounds. Senior guard Brenden Kelly (Clark, N.J./Elizabeth) dished out four assists, and junior Raymond Ezike (Newark, N.J./Westside) recorded three blocks.

Salisbury's Jordan Oates had a standout performance, recording a double-double with 24 points (11-19) and 13 rebounds, along with three assists, two blocks, and a steal. Kedrick Frink came just shy of a triple-double, posting 11 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, while Aidan Camper added 16 points.

NJCU had the upper hand for much of the first half, including a 29-23 lead with just under five minutes remaining, thanks to a three-point play by Gilbert. The Gothic Knights held a narrow 32-30 lead going into the break after Ezike made a free throw in the final seconds.

Salisbury came out strong in the second half, opening with a 13-2 run to seize the lead for the first time since the 18:45 mark of the first half. NJCU battled back, with Zaire Jefferson (Newark, N.J./Payne Tech) hitting a three-pointer and sparking a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to one (50-49) with 10:04 remaining. The game stayed tight, with both teams trading baskets down the stretch. A jumper from Gilbert at the 1:32 mark tied the game at 63, but Salisbury responded with back-to-back layups to take a 67-63 lead. Gilbert answered with a dunk off a pass from Wilson to cut the lead to 67-65, but Salisbury sealed the victory with free throws, securing a 69-65 win.

Salisbury advances to the ECAC Championship game, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Virginia-Wesleyan and McDaniel.

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