Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University Men's Basketball team (21-6) was crowned NJAC Champions for the first time since the 2002-03 season after defeating Ramapo 91-85 in an overtime thriller on Friday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams exchanged three-point plays to start the game. Ramapo then went on a 9-2 run to take a 12-5 lead at the 14:42 mark. The Roadrunners extended their advantage to 20-9, but the Red Hawks responded with a 15-2 run. The highlight of that stretch came when MIKE JACKSON drilled a three-pointer to tie the game at 22-22. On the ensuing inbound pass, KABRIEN GOSS intercepted the ball at the three-point line and immediately sank another deep shot, giving Montclair a 25-22 lead with 6:47 remaining in the first half.
- The Red Hawks maintained their lead for the rest of the half, taking a 37-31 advantage into the break. Ramapo cut the deficit to two points at the 3:49 mark, but crucial layups from KIERAN FLANAGAN and Jackson helped Montclair stay in control.
- Montclair attempted to maintain a comfortable lead early in the second half, but after going up 44-37, Ramapo responded with an eight-point surge to take a 45-44 edge at the 15:03 mark.
- The remainder of regulation featured a back-and-forth battle, with both teams answering each other's baskets. The Red Hawks momentarily gained momentum at the 8:10 mark when, trailing by two, MYLES PRIMAS and Jackson drained back-to-back three-pointers to take a four-point lead. However, Ramapo quickly responded with consecutive layups to even the score. The game remained tight down the stretch, with Ramapo hitting a clutch three-pointer in the final minute to take the lead, only for Jackson to answer with a layup to send the game into overtime.
- In the extra period, Montclair struck first with an and-one play from Jackson and two free throws from JACOB MORALES, extending their lead to 83-78. The Roadrunners answered with two free throws of their own to trim the deficit to three. The pivotal moment came at the 1:22 mark when Morales missed a three-pointer, but Jackson grabbed a crucial offensive rebound and scored, giving Montclair a two-possession lead. The Red Hawks held firm, sealing the victory and storming the court as NJAC Champions when the final buzzer sounded.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Both Morales and Jackson delivered standout performances. Morales recorded 28 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, while Jackson contributed 25 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
- Flanagan had a strong outing, finishing with 12 points and a team-leading seven assists.
- Free throws played a crucial role in the Red Hawks' victory, as they converted 16-of-19 attempts from the charity stripe.
FROM THE COURT
UP NEXT
Montclair State University has earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The team will learn its seeding on Monday at noon during the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Selection Show.
