Ewing, NJ - The Montclair State University men's basketball team defeated The College of New Jersey, 56-53, on Friday, Jan. 11, at Packer Gym.

MSU has now won nine straight games since Dec. 5, its longest unbeaten streak since posting an eight-game victory string during the 1993-94 season. Montclair is now 11-4 overall this season, and 5-3 in New Jersey Athletic Conference play.

The Red Hawks trailed, 23-21, at halftime, but rebounded to outscore the host Lions, 35-30, in the final 20 minutes for their fourth consecutive NJAC triumph. Junior guard JOSEPH THOMAS (Linden, NJ) paced MSU with 17 points, while senior guard DARIUS SKEETE (Union, NJ) contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds. Skeete has now tallied 115 points in his last five games, averaging 23.0 points per game over that span.

MSU and TCNJ will meet again on Saturday, Feb. 16, in Upper Montclair in the 2001-02 regular-season finale.

The Red Hawks next return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 16, when they host New Jersey City University at 8:00 p.m. at Panzer Gymnasium.