MONTCLAIR, NJ | The men's basketball team suffered their first loss in five games this evening after the Red Hawks of Montclair State was able to get revenge from their earlier loss this season. Montclair shot 50% from the floor to hold off the Scarlet Raiders, 77-73. 

Rutgers University-Newark (14-9, 10-6) was led by Chase Barneys 19-points while Quincy Rutherford and Dante Ralph added 15 and 14, respectively. Rutherford paced the team with seven rebounds and Mike Vick and Barneys each tallied four assists.

Montclair State University (10-13, 8-8) had Tim Algenio pace the squad with 14 points, while Nate Nahirny added 12 of his own. Jalen Parham nearly recorded a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds.

After scoring just 29 points in the first meeting, thanks to outstanding defense by the Scarlet Raiders, the Red Hawks scored 37 in the first half. The Red Hawks came out hot and jumped out to an 11-point lead, however, the Scarlet Raiders chipped away at the lead all half and with 3:40 remaining saw the deficit fall to two off of a Ralph layup. 

In the second half, Montclair once again caught fire and pushed the lead out to 13, 56-43. With 11:47 remaining, the Scarlet Raiders called a timeout to make some adjustments to help bring them back into the game. The men began to cut down their deficit and with 9 seconds left, Vick hit a three-point basket to cut the lead down to just three. Montclair would take care of business at the charity stripe to put an end to the Scarlet Raiders' comeback attempt and hold onto the win.

The Scarlet Raiders will return to action on Saturday, February 15 for their final home game of the regular season at 8:00 pm against Rowan University.