The Ramapo College men’s basketball team picked up two crucial wins last week in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). With victories over Montclair State University and Rowan University, the Roadrunners improved to a 16-6 overall record and 10-5 within their division.
Montclair led with a strong start, taking a 26-24 lead after a 16-0 run. However, Ramapo answered back with an 11-0 run led by seniors Jordan Myers and Tyrell Murchison, as well as junior Enoch Hutchinson. Two three-pointers from senior Justin Bladen helped Ramapo get a 47-38 lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, Ramapo kept control and limited Montclair to only 28 points scored. Ramapo secured their largest lead of the game after junior Elijah Barlow sank a jumper, extending the advantage to 67-50 with just over 11 minutes remaining. Montclair made one last effort, cutting the lead to nine, but Ramapo responded with free throws and three-pointers to secure the win.
Senior Anthony Corbo led the team with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Myers contributed 18 points and five assists, while Bladen scored 16 points, making four three-pointers. The Roadrunners shot an impressive 61% from the field and three-point line.
In their next game, Ramapo overcame an eight-point second-half deficit to beat NJAC rival Rowan University, 92-85. This game was particularly special for the Roadrunners, as it marked head coach Chuck McBreen’s 450th career win.
“This game against Rowan was very important with how tight the playoff race has been within the NJAC conference. I also found it cool to be a part of Coach’s 450th win. That is a big milestone in his career, and it was exciting to be a part of it,” said senior Shane Rooney.
Rowan controlled the first half, heading into the locker room with the score of 46-38 at halftime. Ramapo fought back and cut the lead to one with 13 minutes remaining. In spite of their defensive efforts, Rowan responded with a 13-3 run to go up by nine points.
Ramapo didn’t give up, finishing the game with an 18-4 run. Key plays from senior Peter Gorman, Rooney and freshman Logan Smith helped Ramapo take the lead and secure the win. Smith hit an important three-pointer, and Rooney sealed the victory with a fast-break dunk.
Rooney recorded a career-high 25 points, making 10 of 13 shots, while Gorman added 23 points. Myers also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The team made 47% of their field goals and 46% of their three-pointers.
For Rowan, the Profs shot 44% from the field, 38% from the three-point line and 83% from the free-throw line. Leading the way, Taz Chantey had 20 points while Dan Mason posted 19 points. Danny Flemming and Tyrese Myrick each contributed with 12 points while Williams added 11.
“As a team, we were able to share the ball, which led to some crucial scoring, and we were able to get stops later in the game to come back from behind and win. It is important to keep this momentum going throughout the rest of the season in order to win games, make a run in the playoffs, and accomplish our goal as a team to win a championship,” said Rooney.
The Roadrunners return to action on Sat, Feb. 15 at home against Stockton University for a NJAC game, as well as for Senior Day scheduled for 1 p.m.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Ramapo Athletics
