Upper Montclair, NJ -- Senior DARIUS SKEETE (Union, NJ/Union) scored 19 points as Montclair State edged defending champion William Paterson, 54-51 in New Jersey Athletic Conference Men's Basketball action at Panzer Gymnasium this evening.

The victory was the 200th career win for Red Hawk head coach Ted Fiore. Fiore has compiled a 200-145 ledger in his 13th season as a head coach, which includes nine at St. Peter's College and the last four with MSU.

JOSEPH THOMAS (Linden, NJ/Linden) added 16 points for the Red Hawks (2-3, 1-2 NJAC), who rallied from a 11-point deficit in the second half. BRANDON CONSTANTINE (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) had 17 points for the Pioneers (1-3, 0-3 NJAC), who committed 14 turnovers in the second half and 21 for the game.

Montclair, which trailed 29-18 early in the second half, tied the game at 38-38 with 6:33 to go as Thomas scored on a layup. The teams then traded scores before the Red Hawks took the lead for good at 46-44 as OMAR BOOTHE (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) scored on a layup with 1:28. Thomas then had five straight points to push the lead to 51-44 lead with 21 seconds left.

Thomas and Boothe each had six rebounds while Bradley led all players with nine caroms. Barner added 16 points for the Pioneers, who were outrebounded, 38-30.