The Montclair State Red Hawks defeated New Jersey City University, 62-59, at Panzar Athletic Center Saturday afternoon.
The Red Hawks (13-8) entered the game banged up without two key starters in junior guard Keyon Price (wrist) and senior forward Irving Callander IV (quad). Saturday was also Senior Day for Montclair State as they recognized three players outside of Callander IV (Steve Breeman, Devin Cooper, Danny Layne).
The game began with Montclair State racing out to a quick 7-0 lead, only for NJCU to respond with a 23-8 run turning the tables on the Red Hawks and leading by seven points themselves. Freshman guard Mike Jackson and Steve Breeman responded with a couple of field goals of their own, virtually tying the game 29-28 at the end of the first half.
The first few minutes of the second half were dominated by NJCU (11-13) until Montclair State finally burst ahead, going on a 17-4 run highlighted by three consecutive outside shots by Mike Jackson, who led all scorers with 23 points. Over the next six minutes, NJCU slowly chipped away at the Red Hawks lead. Junior guard Derryen White, who led the team with 16 points, tied the game with a layup and followed up with a steal for a walk-in layup to make things even as the game moved into the final three minutes.
NJCU kept coming hard, but Montclair State had a response for every bucket. Almost every time, it was either a Steve Breeman three-pointer or Mike Jackson creating contact and converting baskets. The dagger came with 30 seconds left, with the score tied at 59. Junior guard Kiernan Flanagan, who is getting extended playing time due to the injury of Price, drove to the basket and banked a shot off the glass with one hand from ten feet out to give the Red Hawks the two-point lead. NJCU couldn't answer on the following possession as the Red Hawks closed out the victory.
What's Next For Both Teams
The Red Hawks, now 10-7 in NJAC conference play, head to Glassboro to take on Rowan University on Wednesday. NJCU dropped to 8-9 in conference play as they get ready to host their Senior Night Wednesday against the top dog of the NJAC Stockton.
- Montclair State falls to Hamilton in Division III NCAA Tournament - March 5, 2023
- Montclair State knocks out NJCU to advance to NJAC semi-finals - February 19, 2023
- Montclair Hangs On for Victory Over Kean Cougars - February 11, 2023
