Box Score

Ewing, NJ... The College of New Jersey men's basketball team dropped a crucial conference battle to Richard Stockton College 75-67 at Packer Hall.

The loss drops TCNJ (11-7, 4-4) into second place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference South Division while the Ospreys (15-5, 5-3 NJAC) climbed to the top of the division standings. 

Senior Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) led all scorers with 20 points while senior Aaron Syvertsen (Midland Park, NJ/Midland Park) knocked down six three-pointers to finish with 18 points. Despite early foul trouble, junior Steve Siracusa (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) collected 12 rebounds.

The game was evenly matched through the first 30 minutes as there were six lead changes in the second half alone. But the Ospreys stretched their lead to 67-59 punctuated by a DiAndre Brown (Sicklerville, NJ/Camden County Tech) dunk with 3:57 remaining in the game.

Foul shots were a factor as TCNJ shot just 50 percent from the line while Richard Stockton rung up 24 points from the charity stripe.

Senior Omar Smith (Newark, NJ/Central) was a force on the floor registering a double-double with 19 points and 14 boards. Junior Mike Farrow (Whitesboro, NJ/Middle Twp.) had also had a strong showing finishing with 13 points and 6 assists.

The opening half was well-played and evenly played. Sophomore Kyle Lawson (Warren, NJ/Watchung Hills) and freshman Brandon Johnson (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West) put intense pressure on the Osprey ball-handlers as the Lions forced 11 turnovers and drew four offensive fouls.

Richard Stockton shot 54 percent from the field and held a 35-34 lead after 20 minutes of play.

The Lions continue conference play this Saturday at 7 p.m. when they visit Ramapo College. The Ospreys play their next game at conference foe Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday, January 30.