WAYNE, N.J. | The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team improved to 10-4 overall and 6-1 in the NJAC with a decisive 75-58 road victory over William Paterson University on Saturday, January 10, at the Sports and Recreation Center.
The Gothic Knights (10-4, 6-1 NJAC) shot 47.8% from the field and dominated in the paint, outscoring the Pioneers 50-24. NJCU forced 26 turnovers, converting them into 30 points. Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) paced NJCU with 19 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting, adding nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 32 minutes. Donovan Crawford (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) posted an impressive all-around performance with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Mekhi Philogene (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bright School) contributed 13 points, including a three-pointer, in 18 minutes off the bench.
William Paterson (6-8, 1-6 NJAC) was led by Jack Gobel, who scored a game-high 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including six three-pointers. Delani Hyde added eight points and four rebounds, while Ethan Paul contributed three points and four assists. The Pioneers struggled with ball security, committing 26 turnovers that proved costly throughout the contest.
William Paterson jumped out to an early 8-2 lead behind a pair of jumpers from Gobel, but the Gothic Knights quickly responded. Arterio Williams (Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West) ignited NJCU's offense with a layup which allowed NJCU to knot the game up at eight early on. Brince Shelton (Brooklyn, N.Y./George Westinghouse) converted back-to-back jumpers to bring the Gothic Knights within one. The Gothic Knights then seized control with an impressive run, as Philogene scored seven consecutive points, including a three-pointer and consecutive layups, to push the lead to 23-16. Rogers-Robinson's aggressive play in the paint kept the momentum going, and Crawford's offensive rebounding and put-backs proved crucial down the stretch. The Gothic Knights closed the first half on a high note when Crawford stole the ball and assisted Rogers-Robinson on a buzzer-beating layup to take a commanding 38-26 halftime advantage.
In the second half, NJCU continued to assert its dominance inside. Crawford opened the period with a tip-in, and Rogers-Robinson added consecutive jumpers to extend the lead to 46-28. The Gothic Knights' defense forced multiple turnovers in transition, leading to easy baskets and keeping William Paterson at arm's length throughout the half.
William Paterson attempted to rally behind Gobel's hot shooting from beyond the arc, cutting the deficit to 51-40 midway through the second half on a Hyde fast-break layup. However, the Gothic Knights answered every challenge. Rogers-Robinson's strong offensive rebounding and ability to finish through contact allowed NJCU to maintain a comfortable margin, while Williams and Crawford continued to attack the basket relentlessly.
The Gothic Knights sealed the victory with clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch, with Crawford converting 3-of-4 from the line and Shelton adding three late free throws.
Up Next:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Wednesday when they host Rutgers-Camden at 7:30 pm.
For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University Athletics, visit NJCUgothicknights.com and follow the Gothic Knights on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
