Jersey City, NJ ... The College of New Jersey men's basketball team overcame a 15-point, second-half deficit to stun New Jersey City University 76-74 on its home court on Saturday in Jersey City.

The Lions (8-5, 4-3 NJAC) took flight in the final 10 minutes of the contest to hand the Gothic Knights (8-5, 6-1) their first New Jersey Athletic Conference loss of the season.
 
Several TCNJ players came up big in the game, complementing another tremendous performance from Eric Murdock, Jr. (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater). The sophomore guard rung up a career-high 28 points, collected eight rebounds, and distributed five assists. But the victory was a complete team effort as junior Nick Alaimo (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough), freshman Jordan Glover (Lawrence, NJ/Lawrence), and rookie Kevin Bloodgood (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional) all delivered down the stretch.
 
Trailing 61-52 with nine minutes remaining, TCNJ erupted for 10 straight points to push ahead 62-61. Bloodgood ignited the rally with a three-point field goal. Alaimo converted a traditional three-point play before Murdock, Jr. dropped in a layup. Alaimo then sank a pair of free throws and the Lions suddenly held a lead.
 
NJCU regrouped to score the next four points, but Alaimo nailed a trey to even the score at 65 with four minutes to play. The lead would change hands four times over the next three minutes. Glover found the bottom of the net with 1:27 left on the clock to edge ahead 73-72. Gothic Knight Yuri Brutus responded with a pair of free throws, but Glover answered back with a layup with 53 seconds remaining to go up 75-74.
 
That would turn out to be the game-winner as a turnover by NJCU gave the Lions the ball back. A free throw by Murdock, Jr. made it a 76-74 game and a three-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark, allowing TCNJ to celebrate a come-from-behind league win on the road.
 
Alaimo finished with 17 points and five boards, while Glover tallied 14 points and nine rebounds.
 
The Lions continue NJAC play this Wednesday when they host Kean University at 6 p.m. in Packer Hall.