The NJCU men’s basketball team suffered its first loss of the season to Stevens Institute of Technology, falling 62-53 at the John J. Moore Athletics & Fitness Center on Wednesday, November 20. The defeat marks the Gothic Knights’ fourth loss to Stevens in school history, leaving their all-time record against the Ducks at 8-4.
NJCU (3-1) was led by Avante Gilbert, who scored 14 points, while Jaheim Lewis and Arterio Williams each grabbed a team-high 9 rebounds. Bakhi Rogers-Robinson contributed 11 points for the Gothic Knights. On the other hand, Stevens (3-1) dominated in the paint, scoring 36 of their 62 points. Jack Spellman put up an impressive performance for the Ducks, finishing with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 blocks.
The game began with the Gothic Knights taking an early lead, thanks to baskets from Gilbert and Raymond Ezike. However, Stevens quickly responded with six straight points to take control. Gilbert later pushed NJCU to an eight-point lead, their largest of the game, with 11:09 remaining in the first half. But Stevens swung the momentum in their favor with a 9-0 run. The first half saw a back-and-forth contest until Stevens closed with an 11-0 run, holding NJCU scoreless for the final four minutes. The Ducks carried a 9-point lead into halftime.
In the second half, NJCU chipped away at Stevens’ lead, pulling within five points after Williams hit a mid-range jumper. However, the Ducks responded, extending their lead back into double digits with 6:09 left in the game. Struggles at the free-throw line hindered the Gothic Knights’ efforts to make a comeback, as Stevens held firm for the non-conference victory.
Next Up:
The Gothic Knights will return to action on Saturday, November 23, when they travel to Farmingdale for their final non-conference game before entering conference play.
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