Upper Montclair, NJ - The Montclair State University men's basketball team made it seven wins in a row with a 77-63 decision over the College of Staten Island on Saturday, Jan. 5, at Panzer Gymnasium. MSU is now 9-4 on the season, while Staten Island falls to 10-3.

Trailing 32-30 at halftime, the Red Hawks outscored the visiting Dolphins by a 28-9 count in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. JOSEPH THOMAS led MSU with 21 points and four assists, while DARIUS SKEETE added 17 points and seven rebounds. Skeete, the MVP of the 2001 Billy Martucci Holiday Tournament last month, has now scored 72 points in his last three games.

MICHAEL DAVIS recorded 14 points and four blocks for MSU, while OMAR BOOTHE had nine rebounds and five assists. KASSIM NESBITT paced Staten Island with 18 points and six rebounds, while DAVID PAUL scored 16 points and MICHAEL STEWART added 14 points.

MSU finished the non-conference portion of its 2001-02 schedule with a 6-1 mark, and has now won five contests this winter by 10 or more points. The Red Hawks return to conference action at home on Wednesday, Jan. 9, against Ramapo College at 8 p.m.