Newark, NJ – Junior guard SHAUN RUSSELL scored a career-high 31 points with guard ERICK LOFTEN-HARRIS added 27 however it wouldn't be enough as Montclair State suffered its first loss of the season falling to Rutgers-Newark 90-87 in overtime at the Golden Dome on Wednesday evening.

Junior BRANDON CHANNER had 13 points and six rebounds for the Red Hawks (4-1, 1-1 NJAC), who rallied from nine points down in the final three minutes of regulation to force the extra period.

Rutgers-Newark led 71-62 with 3:27 to play after David Azoroh hit the first of two free throws. Montclair answered on its next two possessions as Channer hit layups both times trimming the lead back to 71-66 with 2:44 to play. A basket by Jordan McDaniel and matching of free throws gave Rutgers-Newark a 74-68 lead with 1:49 remaining.

The teams traded free throws again and two foul shots by Loften-Harris made it 75-71 with 41 seconds. Loften-Harris made a steal on the ensuing possession that turned into three points as Russell connected three times at the line with 31 seconds bringing the Red Hawks within 75-74. John Snow hit two at the strip restoring the lead to three however Loften-Harris put in a layup with 19 seconds left making it a one-point game again at 77-76.

Snow was fouled and put the Radiers in front 79-76 with 13 seconds left but then fouled on the next play sending Loften-Harris to the line. The junior made bot making it 79-78 and this time MSU fouled. Azoroh hit both with nine ticks getting the lead back to three. Montclair got one last chance and made the most as Loften-Harris drained a three with six seconds to go, knotting the game at 81-81 and forcing the overtime.

In the extra period, DEVYN RANSOM gave Montclair State an 83-82 lead with 4:09 left before the Scarlet Raiders' McDaniel scored six straight for an 88-83 Rutgers-Newark lead with 2:32 to play. Ransom got two back on a pair of free throws with just over two minutes left. Free throws by McDaniel and Morgan Dixon got the lead to 90-85 with 51 seconds. Loften-Harris countered with two foul shots making the score 90-87.

The Red Hawks would get one last chance again however a three by Loften-Harris didn't go as Rutgers-Newark escaped with the three-point victory, its ninth straight over MSU.

Channer, Ransom and JORDAN ROBERSON grabbed six rebounds each for Montclair while DANIEL RODRIGUEZ added seven points in a reserve role.  

MSU will look to bounce back on Saturday, December 5 as it goes on the road again. The Red Hawks take on Ramapo College at the Bradley Center in Mahwah, NJ at 3:00 pm.