HOBOKEN, N.J. – The College of New Jersey men's basketball team fell to Stevens in the first game of the Stevens Holiday Tournament, 73-53, on Sunday. The Lions became 4-5 on the year, while the Ducks improved to 8-1.

Stevens started the game with a 4-2 lead early. The Lions took the lead after Randall Walko made a pair of free throws, then Travis Jocelyn knocked down a three-pointer. Stevens then went on a run to take a 12 point advantage with under 13 minutes to play in the first half.

The half of runs continued, as the Lions countered with a 10-0 stretch to pull within 19-17. Ryan Jensen and Danny Bodine each converted a lay-up, then a tip-in from Bodine pulled the Lions within two. Three made free throws from Walko pulled the Lions within 23-22. The Ducks closed out the first half with a run to take a 36-24 lead heading into the locker room.

TCNJ opened up the second half with back-to-back three-pointers from Mike Walley and Travis Jocelyn, with the latter cutting the Duck lead to 38-30. A few minutes later Jocelyn converted on a lay-up, was fouled, and then hit the free throw to pull the Lions within 42-36. Stevens was then able to build a double-digit lead and pull away from the Lions to hold onto the win.

Jocelyn led the Lions with 13 points, and also added six rebounds. Walko scored 12 points and grabbed eight boards, while Bodine scored eight points. Bodine also played strong low post defense with five blocked shots.

The Lions will return to action tomorrow to round out the Stevens Holiday Tournament. TCNJ will play the loser of Johns Hopkins and Drew University.