Newark, NJ – A six-point surge late in the second half proved to be the difference as Rutgers-Newark handed Montclair State its second straight loss with a 62-55 victory at the Golden Dome on Saturday evening.

Landon Gaines and Tyler Ofray each had 14 points as the Scarlet Raiders improved to 2-5 on the year, 2-1 in the NJAC with the win. Senior BRANDON CHANNER had 15 points and seven rebounds for the Red Hawks, who fell to 2-4, 1-2 in conference play.

A low-scoring first half (24-24), the teams traded the lead several times before the Scarlet Raiders led 50-44 with 5:18 left as Ofray connected twice from the foul line. Montclair responded with a seven-point run over the next two-plus minutes and took a 51-50 advantage with 2:33 left when VINCE ANFIELD scored on a layup.

Ofray put Rutgers-Newark back in front with two free throws on the next possession and Gaines drilled a three-pointer with 1:21 left making the score 55-51. Mark Thomas added two from the line after and MSU miss extending the lead to 57-51 with 61 seconds to go.

Freshman EDDIE EMEDOH closed the gap with two foul shots but Ofray sank three of four at the line, the last two with 28 ticks for a 60-53 advantage. Gaines tacked on two more with eight seconds left.

Anfield and JARRETT BOGUS each finished with 11 points and five rebounds for Montclair, which got eight points and three rebounds from Emedoh. RAHSAAN JOHNSON registered six points and six rebounds.

Montclair State returns to action on Wednesday, December 7 hosting William Paterson at the Panzer Athletic Center. Tip-off of the NJAC contest is scheduled for 6:00 pm.