MADISON, N.J. – The College of New Jersey men's basketball team was topped by Hamilton College on Saturday, 88-81. The game was the first in the Drew University Rose City Classic. The Lions dipped to 1-1 on the young season, while today marked the season opener for Hamilton who improved to 1-0.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, and neither team was able to build a lead larger than seven points. That lead came when Hamilton went up 28-21 with under nine minutes to play in the first half.

TCNJ went on a 10-0 run to counter and take a three point lead. Mike Walley came up with a steal, then found Randall Walko who threw down a fast break dunk. On the next possession, Ryan Jensen knocked down a three-pointer. Jensen would score again on a lay-up, then Sterling White knocked down a three-pointer to make it a 31-28 lead for the Lions.

Right before the first half ended, Walko came up with a steal and connected on a fast break lay-up. He was fouled, and hit the free throw to give the Lions a 38-36 lead which they took into the locker room.

With under seven minutes to play, the seesaw contest continued, and both teams were trading leads. After Hamilton hit a three-pointer, Jensen sank a pair of free throws. Travis Jocelyn hit on a lay-up to put the Lions ahead 66-65 with under six minutes to go. Hamilton was able to control the game after that, and grabbed a 78-71 lead with a minute to play.

Walko led the Lions with 24 points. He also grabbed nine rebounds. Jensen put up a double-double with 13 points and ten rebounds. He also posted two blocks. Jocelyn scored 21 points, while White scored nine points and added four rebounds. Danny Bodine chipped in eight points.

The Lions will take on Old Westbury tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to close out the Drew University Rose City Classic.