Box Score Box Score (Live Stats)

SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The College of New Jersey men's basketball team battled went toe-to-toe with the No. 1 team in the country in Swarthmore College, but ultimately fell just short by a final score of 88-81.  

The Lions came out of the gate fast, and built a 15-7 lead in the first seven minutes of action. Randall Walko hit a three-pointer to make it a 10-4 lead just over five minutes into action. Jim Clemente was fouled after an offensive rebound, then hit two free throws. Travis Jocelyn sank a trifecta to put the Lions up eight with 12:54 to play in the first half.

The game was tied up 17-17 with 10 minutes to play in the opening half, but Ryan Jensen netted eight points in a row to make the game 25-17. He scored on a lay-up, converted an and-one, and then knocked down a three-pointer to make it an eight point Lion lead. Walko hit a three-pointer right before the half ended to pull the Lions within 44-41.

The Garnet built a 57-49 point lead, yet TCNJ cut the deficit to three. P.J. Ringel scored on a strong take to the hole, then Walko hit from downtown to make it 57-54.

In the stretch run, Swarthmore began to pull away. The Garnet claimed a 74-63 with four and a half to play. The Lions battled back, and did not let the number one team in the nation take the game easily. Jensen knocked down another three-pointer off of a Ringel assist. Jocelyn followed that up with a nice take to the hole to pull the Lions within 74-68 with three and a half minutes to go.

Towards the end of the game TCNJ hung in there, yet Swarthmore kept the Lions at arms' length to hang onto the victory.

Jensen led the way with a game-high 27 points. He made it a double-double with 10 rebounds. Jocelyn added 19 points and grabbed five boards, while Walko scored 14 points. Ringel spread the ball around and tallied seven assists.

TCNJ returns to action for the NJAC and home opener against Stockton Nov. 26.