Box score

Ewing, NJ... A strong start to the season stalled for The College of New Jersey men's basketball team as they were defeated by Rowan University 84-64 in their New Jersey Athletic Conference opening game.

The Lions (4-3, 0-1 NJAC) struggled from start to finish and fell prey to a crisp Profs squad that shot 58 percent from the field. TCNJ drew within 10 points with 8:16 remaining but were never able to mount a serious threat to Rowan's swarming defense.

The Lions couldn't seem to get any rhythm going while the Profs stayed hot throughout the first half shooting 53 percent from the floor. The Rowan defense played tough in the early goings, forcing the Lions to take rushed shots under pressure leading the Profs to a 41-26 lead at the intermission.

TCNJ did receive a strong effort from junior Steve Siracusa (New Providence, NJ/New Providence), who led the Lions with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Sophomore Pete Kelly (Hamilton, NJ/Nottingham) dropped in a career-high 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the floor.

Junior guard Sean Hughes (Point Pleasant, NJ/Points Pleasant Boro) had a tremendous all-around game netting a career-high 21 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out six assists. Steve Secula (Mulica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional) added ten points and five assists while freshman Kendall White (Lumberton, NJ/Rancocas Valley Regional) contributed with 10 points, seven rebounds and a pair of steal.

TCNJ continues their conference schedule this Saturday, December 5th at 1 p.m. when the visit Williams Paterson University.