Ewing, NJ... The College of New Jersey men's basketball team (8-1) won their eighth straight game with a 101-72 victory over The University of Scranton (2-8) on Saturday.

Six minutes into the game, Scranton hit a three pointer to go up 11-8, however the Lions went on a 19-3 run to take a 27-14 lead. Reigning NJAC Player of the Week Eric Murdock, Jr. (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) was on fire in the first half as he knocked down six three pointers. He hit two three pointers and a jumper to ignite the Lions run, and Mike Walley (Yardley, PA/Notre Dame) hit two three pointers during the run to put the Lions up by 13. The Lions went on a 13-4 run at the end of the first half to build momentum and take a 55-32 lead into the locker room. Joe Montano (Eatontown, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) was the hot hand at the end of the period as he knocked down three three pointers in a row. In the first half the Lions shot an impressive 12-20 (60%) from three point range. Murdock Jr. scored 20 points in the first half to lead all scorers.

The Lions came out hot in the second half, and did not allow Scranton to get back into the game. A 16-3 run capped off by another Walley three pointer allowed the Lions to build a comfortable 71-39 advantage. They did not look back the remainder of the second half and cruised to victory.

Murdock Jr. scored 26 points on an efficient 9-13 (69%) shooting from the floor and an outstanding 8-10 (80%) from three point range. He also kept his teammates involved as he totaled six assists, and played strong defense as he grabbed six steals. Montano added 13 points on 4-7 (57%) shooting from three point territory off of the bench, and Jordan Glover (Trenton, NJ/Lawrence) scored 13 points on 5-9 (55%) shooting from the floor. Liam Byrne (Middletown, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) added 12 points on 4-6 (66%) shooting from downtown off of the bench, and Niall Carpenter (Westampton, NJ/Westampton) scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds.

On the game the Lions shot 34-66 (51%) from the field including an impressive 22-38 (58%) from three point territory. On the defensive end the Lions harassed Scranton, and forced 21 turnovers in which they converted into 33 points. 

The Lions will resume action on December 29th against Kenyon College as part of the Crowne Plaza Holiday Tournament hosted by Albright College.