Box Score

 Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey men's basketball dropped a 63-49 decision to William Paterson University on Saturday afternoon at Packer Hall.

The Lions (3-12, 0-5 NJAC) were held to under 50 points for just the second time this season as the Pioneers (11-4, 3-2 NJAC) charged to their eighth straight win.

TCNJ was led by junior Al Matlock (Trenton, NJ/Solebury) who scored 15 points and added three steals. Sophomore Brian Kelly (Clark, NJ/Lawrenceville Prep) dropped in 11 points, while junior Kyle Rawson (Warren, NJ/Watchung Hills) contributed six points and a pair of steals.

Paul Siljee (Wayne, NJ/Wayne) had a solid all-around game securing a game-high nine rebounds to go with 14 points and four assists for WPU. Gabriel Paul (Newark, NJ/Hillside) netted 13 points and pulled down six boards, while Nick Allan (Colonia, NJ/Colonia) dished out four assists and scored seven points.

The Lions struggled from the floor hitting just 33 percent of their shots in the game. They turned the ball over just 13 times against a tough Pioneer defense, but had difficulty getting good looks at the basket.

WPU spread the scoring around in the opening half as eight different players registered points. They won the battle under the boards in the first half grabbing 18 rebounds to TCNJ's 13 and held a 32-22 lead at the break.

TCNJ converted on its first eight free throws in the second half and hung tough, closing the gap to 45-39 with ten minutes to play in the game. But a 3-point bucket by Siljee got the Pioneers rolling as they went on a 13-3 run to pull away for their 11th win of the season and third conference victory.

Senior Steve Siracusa (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) led the Lions with six rebounds. He is now two rebounds shy of 500 for his career.

TCNJ returns to conference play on Saturday, January 22 when they visit Ramapo College for a 3 p.m. tip-off.