Ewing, NJ ... The College of New Jersey men's basketball team rolled to blowout victory on Monday night as they topped Baruch College 85-62 in Packer Hall.
 
The Lions (10-6) avenged a 65-63 loss to the Bearcats (9-8) last season and reached double digits in victories through 16 games under first-year Head Coach Matthew Goldsmith.
 
TCNJ shot the ball efficiently, connecting on 50 percent of its shots from the floor. Four players reached double figures, all of whom were underclassmen. Sophomore Elias Bermudez (Westwood, NJ/Westwood) registered a double-double with a team-high 16 points and 11 rebounds. Classmate Eric Murdock, Jr. (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) also finished with 16 points and dished out a game-high six assists. Freshman Jordan Glover (Lawrence, NJ/Lawrence) added 12 points, seven boards, and three steals, while rookie guard Kevin Bloodgood (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional) had a hot hand in the opening half and scored 10 points.
 
Baruch struggled with its shooting touch all night and hit just 34 percent of its attempts from the hardwood. Sophomore forward Chimaechi Ekekeugbor (Matawan, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy) tallied a game-high 18 points, while senior Raymond De La Cruz (Bronx, NY/All Hallows) and William Sixsmith (Plainview, NY/Holy Trinity) each had 10 points.
 
The game was decided in the first half. Holding a 22-18 lead midway through the opening period, the Lions exploded at the offensive end and went on a 23-2 run. Bloodgood ignited it scoring 10 straight points by burying three consecutive three-pointers, one of which he was fouled and completed a four-point play. Sophomore Steven Kelly (Newton, NJ/Newton) was also a force in the paint, drawing praise from his bench for his footwork inside.
 
Kelly finished with eight points, six boards, and two blocked shots.
 
Everything clicked for the Lions in the opening period. They shot 54 percent from the floor, assisted on 14-of-18 field goals, and out-rebounded the Bearcats 18-13.
 
Baruch never made a true threat at TCNJ's lead in the second half. They never got the deficit under 20 points as the Lions were too efficient from the field and free throw line (15-of-18). TCNJ had 11 players checker the scoring column, while 10 different players collected rebounds.
 
The Lions return to New Jersey Athletic Conference action on Wednesday when they visit Rutgers-Camden for an 8 p.m. match-up.