Newark, NJ… The College of New Jersey men's basketball team closed out the regular season with a 67-62 victory over Rutgers-Newark Wednesday night. The Lions improved to 19-6 overall and 14-4 in New Jersey Athletic Conference play, securing the number two seed and first round bye in the upcoming NJAC Tournament. The Scarlet Raiders end the year at 8-16 overall and 4-14 in conference play.
 
The Lions got a strong start from Joe Montano (Eatontown, NJ/Red Bank Catholic), who knocked down a pair of threes in opening nine minutes as TCNJ opened up a 17-13 lead.
 
With the lead expanded to 22-15, the Scarlet Raiders scored nine straight points to take back the lead. Dante Ralph scored five of his nine points.
 
TCNJ would immediately respond with a 10-3 run, helping give the Lions a 34-30 lead at the half.
 
Trailing 53-52 with just over seven minutes remaining, the Lions took control of the game with an 11-2 run. Four different players scored during the rally, including Randall Walko (Somerville, NJ/Somerville) who scored two of his game-high 20 points.
 
Eric Murdock, Jr. (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) knocked down four straight free throws to secure the victory. Murdock, Jr. finished with 19 points.

Senior Elias Bermudez (Westwood, NJ/Westwood) filled the stat sheet with seven points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The Scarlet Raiders were led by 16 points off the bench from Tyler Ofray.
 
TCNJ held a 43-36 advantage on the glass in the game.
 
With their 19^th win, the Lions are guaranteed to increase their win total and reach the NJAC Tournament semi-final for the third straight year under head coach Matt Goldsmith.
 
The Lions will be in Packer Hall Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00 PM against an opponent that is to be determined.