Huntingdon, PA – Chris McGrew hit a jumper with 28 seconds remaining which proved to be the difference as Salisbury University edged Montclair State, 57-56 in the opening round of the Juniata College Doc Greene Invitational on Friday evening.

Senior guard RODNEY FREENEY (Piscataway, NJ / Piscataway) scored 21 points for the Red Hawks (0-1), who will now play in the consolation game of the tournament on Saturday, November 20 at 2:00 pm.

MSU led 32-25 heading to the locker room for halftime as Freeney scored 10 points while TOM BONARD (Westfield, NJ / Westfield) added seven. Montclair State shot 52 percent (15-of-29) from the field in the first 20 minutes. But and 11-3 run by the Sea Gulls to open the second half put Salisbury in front 36-35 on two McGrew free throws with15:57 to play.

From there, Salisbury would remain in front until the five-minute mark as Montclair State regained the lead on a three-pointer by Freeney and a layup by BRENDAN HOLLAND (Briarcliff Manor, NY / Trinity Pawling) to make the score 52-50 with 4:06 on the clock.

McGrew and Freeney would trade the next eight points leaving Montclair State with a 56-54 lead with 51 seconds remaining. McGrew tied the game with 41 seconds left on a free throw, but missed the next one. However Eric Johnson was able to grab the rebounds for Salisbubry and anfter regaining possession, McGrew netted what turned out to be the game-winning hoop.

Senior SEAN YOUNG (Scotch Plains, NJ / SP-Fanwood) had 11 points and seven rebounds while newcomer ANDREW AUGUST (Bridgewater, NJ / Bridgewater-Raritan) chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds.