Danbury, CT …The Western Connecticut State University basketball team opened its season with a 91-73 victory over The College of New Jersey on Wednesday night in Feldman Arena.
 
The Colonials (1-0) shot 55 percent from the floor and copped 13 steals in the game en route to their first win. They also converted on 21-of-24 free throw attempts to cap an efficient offensive performance shooting the basketball.
 
The Lions (1-2) received standout performances from junior Bobby Brackett (Lawrence, NJ/Lawrence) and senior Jayson Johnson (Bordentown, NJ/Life Academy Center), but struggled from three-point range in the loss. TCNJ connected on just 1-of-12 three-point attempts. Brackett netted a game-high 23 points and 16 rebounds, while Johnson finished with 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the floor and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
 
Play was even throughout the first half and TCNJ held a 31-30 lead after a Johnson jumper with 4:21 remaining. The Colonials, however, finished the period in flurry with a 14-2 run to take a 44-33 lead into the break.
 
WestConn never allowed the Lions to claw their way back into the game in the second half. Each time TCNJ gained ground, the Colonials would respond and protect their lead. A layup by Brackett made it a 60-50 game with 12:28 left in the game, but WestConn's Jeremiah Washington answered with a jumper followed by a Kendall Marquez three-point bucket to push the lead back to 15.
 
The Colonials showcased their depth as its bench outscored the Lions' bench 30-19. They also shot 55 percent from the floor and 47 percent (8-of-17) from behind the arc. Five players reached double figures as Marquez and Bobby Bynum scored 16 and 15 points respectively, while junior forward Luis Bridtter and Washington added 13 points.  Phil Starks rounded out the top five scorers with 12 points.
 
TCNJ held a distinct advantage under the glass, outrebounding WestConn 40-28. They also rattled off 25 second-chance points, largely in part to Brackett's 10 offensive boards. Senior Skyelar Ettin (Princeton, NJ/Princeton) finished with seven points and sophomore Eric Klacik (Basking Ridge, NJ/Ridge) led the Lions with four assists.
 
TCNJ returns to campus on Saturday, November 22 for its home opener. They take on New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent Montclair State University at 3 p.m. in Packer Hall.