MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The College of New Jersey men's basketball team nearly erased a 26 point deficit against Montclair State University on Saturday, but fell just short 88-86. The Red Hawks improved to 7-2 and 5-0 in the NJAC, while the Lions slipped to 4-4 and 2-2 in the conference.

Randall Walko of TCNJ surpassed the 1,000 point mark on his career. Walko has been a crucial contributor to the Lions the last three seasons. He was a First Team All-NJAC and Second Team All-Region honoree last season, and led the conference in scoring last year. He scored 24 points today to join the 1,000 point club. He is currently leading TCNJ in scoring with an average of 21.2 points per game this season.

Montclair State held a 41-34 lead at the end of the first half. Danny Bodine was fouled after grabbing an offensive rebound right at the end of the half, and hit two free throws to pull the Lions within seven. With nine minutes to play in the game, the Red Hawks went up 77-51, however the Lions did not give up and clawed back into it.

TCNJ went on a massive 27-3 run to pull within two points with only 2:47 to play. With over seven minutes to go, P.J. Ringel knocked down a jumper. On the next possession, Ryan Jensen hit a three-pointer, then Ringel scored from in close to pull the Lions within 77-64.

After another Jensen three-pointer, Ringel net a few more buckets to pull the Lions within 80-72. A Travis Jocelyn jumper cut the deficit to 80-74, then Walko hit a jumper to pull TCNJ within four.

With under three minutes to go, Ringel came up with a steal and was fouled on the fast break. He made both free throws to make it a one possession game. On the ensuing Red Hawk possession, Montclair State hit a jumper. The Lions were trailing 87-83 with under a minute to play, then Walko converted on an and-one. He made the free throw to make it an 87-86 Red Hawk lead. The Lions got the stop on the other end, however could not get the look to fall, and the Red Hawks held on to the narrow win.

Walko led TCNJ with 24 points. Ringel scored a career-high 22 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. Jensen recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 boards, and Jocelyn scored 14 points on the afternoon.

TCNJ will return to action for the Stevens Holiday Tournament on Dec. 29 and 30.