EWING, N.J. – The New Jersey City University men's basketball team suffered a 73-62 setback against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) contest on Saturday afternoon, January 17, at Packer Hall.

NJCU (11-5, 7-2 NJAC) shot 41.5 percent (22-of-53) from the field, struggling from long range at just 22.2 percent (2-of-9), while converting 66.7 percent (16-of-24) from the free-throw line. TCNJ (11-5, 6-3 NJAC) countered with a balanced offensive performance, shooting 42.6 percent (26-of-61) overall and knocking down 12 three-pointers on 36.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The Lions were also efficient at the foul line, hitting 9-of-11 attempts (81.8 percent).

Despite the loss, NJCU controlled the interior, outscoring TCNJ 36-28 in points in the paint. However, the Lions capitalized in other areas, holding decisive advantages in fast-break points (13-3), bench scoring (30-13), and second-chance opportunities (14-6). Both teams scored 13 points off turnovers, though TCNJ forced 16 NJCU miscues compared to 12 by the Gothic Knights.

Senior Bakhi Rogers-Robinson (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) led NJCU with a game-high 23 points, shooting 8-of-16 from the floor and 6-of-9 from the free-throw line. He added four rebounds and an assist, recording his eighth 20-point performance of the season and his first since December 13 against Kean. Junior Donovan Crawford (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) continued his strong play with his third double-double of the year and second consecutive, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Crawford was highly efficient, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe, while also contributing a block and a steal.

TCNJ placed three players in double figures, led by Nick Koch, who posted 20 points along with six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. Jonathan Okocha added 11 points, four rebounds, and an assist, while Lucas Dipasupil chipped in 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Matthew Solomon made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, finishing with nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds to go along with three assists, three blocks, and a steal.

The Gothic Knights came out firing, opening the game on a 9-0 run with contributions from four different players—Arterio Williams (Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West), Rogers-Robinson, Crawford, and Brince Shelton (Brooklyn, N.Y./George Westinghouse). TCNJ trimmed the deficit to 11-10 with 12:10 remaining in the first half, but NJCU answered with an 8-0 surge. The run was sparked by an offensive rebound and put-back layup by Crawford, followed by back-to-back baskets from sophomore Matt McSorley (Colonia, N.J./Colonia), and capped off with an emphatic dunk by freshman Darnell Derosin (Linden, N.J./Linden) to give NJCU its largest lead of the half at 19-10.

TCNJ responded with a decisive 13-4 run to take its first lead of the contest, edging ahead 23-22 with 6:11 left before halftime. The Lions maintained control the rest of the period and entered the locker room holding a two-possession advantage (32-27).

Coming out of the break, Crawford opened the scoring with a basket in the paint to pull NJCU within three at 32-29. However, the Lions began to separate midway through the second half. With 12:22 remaining, a TCNJ three-pointer pushed the lead into double figures for the first time, and the Gothic Knights were unable to close the gap. NJCU struggled to defend the perimeter throughout the half, allowing six three-pointers, which fueled the Lions' momentum. TCNJ's largest lead came at the 2:22 mark when Koch drained a three to make it a 19-point game, effectively sealing the outcome.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to NJAC action on Wednesday, January 21, when they host Ramapo College at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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