Union, NJ… The College of New Jersey men's basketball team (13-5, 9-2 NJAC) survived a late flurry from fellow NJAC foe Kean University (0-18, 0-11 NJAC) en route to a 70-63 victory Saturday afternoon. The win extends the Lion's winning streak to five. It is the longest streak since TCNJ won six straight during the 2009-10 season.

After ceding the game's first basket, the Lions took control of the game using an 11-2 run. Corey Stanford (Pittsburgh, PA / Penn Trafford) recorded three lay-ups bookending a steal and score from Eric Murdock, Jr. (Bridgewater, NJ / Bridgewater) and a triple from Jordan Glover (Lawrenceville, NJ / Lawrence). Stanford ended the first half with his sixth double-double, recording 10 points and 10 rebounds in the contest's first 20 minutes. He would finish the game with a season-high 14 boards.

Holding a 20-19 lead, Glover hit two additional three-pointers surrounding a Cougar basket. Murdock, Jr. scored two lay-ups, Stanford added a free throw, and Joe Montano (Eatontown, NJ / Red Bank Catholic) closed out the 14-2 run by hitting a shot from deep range. Glover and Murdock, Jr. each scored 14 points to pace the Lions.

TCNJ led at the half 36-28.

Kevin Bloodgood (Oceanport, NJ / Shore Regional) and Eric Klacik (Basking Ridge, NJ / Ridge) sparked a 13-4 run early in the second half, extending the Lion's advantage to 16 at 53-37. Klacik finished in double figures with 10 points.

Minutes later, TCNJ grabbed their largest lead of the game at 57-39. Kevin Grek caught fire however, draining his next four shots from long range as part of a 22-7 run, trimming the Lion advantage to just three. Grek led all scorers with 22 points, including 6-for-10 shooting from distance.

The Lions' resiliency showed through, hitting 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch to preserve the victory.

Elias Bermudez (Westwood, NJ / Westwood) got his first start of the season, and responded with nine points and eight rebounds.

The Lions outrebounded the Cougars 44-30, including 14-4 on the offensive glass.

TCNJ returns home Wednesday, January 25 when they host Stockton University at 6:00 pm. The two teams met in last season's New Jersey Athletic Conference title game, with the Ospreys earning a 60-53 victory to earn the NCAA Tournament automatic bid. The Lion's got revenge earlier this season winning the re-match in Galloway 66-62.