Box score

Doylestown, PA... The College of New Jersey men's basketball team used a stifling defensive performance in the first-half to spark a 71-61 win over Delaware Valley College.

The victory snapped a four-game skid pulling the Lions (5-5, 0-2 NJAC) back to the .500 mark.

Senior Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) had his best game in a month scoring 20 points, dishing out seven assists, and grabbing 6 rebounds. Senior Aaron Syvertsen (Midland Park, NJ/Midland Park) also bucketed 20 points on 9-of-17 shooting.

Head coach Kelly Williams has stressed that his squad needs to play relentless defense for 40 minutes to return to their winning ways. Taking the court for the first game in 17 days, TCNJ did just that as Delaware Valley (5-5, 1-1 MAC) managed just 20 first-half shots while the Lions forced 15 DelVal turnovers. Playing perhaps their best half of the season, TCNJ led 29-18 at the intermission.

A critical component to the Lions defensive game-plan was to contain junior guard James Jones (Philadelphia, PA/Edward Bok Tech). Jones entered the game averaging 18.9 points per game including a 30-point performance in his last contest against Rowan University. TCNJ not only contained James, but nearly eliminated him in the opening period. James was held without a shot until he missed a lay-up with 1:27 remaining. Jones did rebound in the second half to finish with 11 points.

The Aggies offense finally kicked into gear in the second half as they ran off 12 straight points in just over three minutes to cut the deficit to 42-36 12:25 to play in the game. Frank's jump shot put a stop to the Lions' drought, but DelVal continued to battle their way back into the game.

With 9:03 remaining, Darryl White (Philadelphia, PA/Frankford) converted his free throw to make it a three-point game. But Frank delivered a basket, Steven Siracusa (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) hit a pair of foul shots, and Syvertsen drained a jumper to regain command of the game.

Siracusa has been one of TCNJ's most consistent performers. The junior forward led the Lions with 11 boards and also chipped in with 14 points and three assists. Freshman Brandon Johnson (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West) had five points and two steals in his first collegiate start.

White, a 6' 7” senior, led the Aggies with a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lions visit FDU-Florham on Wednesday evening for a 7 p.m. tip-off before traveling to New Jersey City University for a New Jersey Athletic Conference battle on Saturday, January 9 at 4 p.m. TCNJ plays its next home game on Monday, January 11 against Drew University at 7 p.m.