Jersey City, NJ — In a wild, back-and-forth affair at the John J. Moore Athletics & Fitness Center, Rutgers-Newark pushed the Gothic Knights to the limit but ultimately fell 83–79 in overtime.
The first half unfolded as a tight, defensive battle featuring eight lead changes and seven ties, with neither team able to create much separation. Rutgers–Newark held NJCU to just 29% shooting from the field and shot 35% themselves. Despite the Scarlet Raiders' stronger execution from the floor, NJCU repeatedly kept the half within reach at the free-throw line. The Gothic Knights knocked down 19 first-half free throws, a key factor that allowed them to slip into the locker room with a narrow 33–32 halftime lead.
The second half brought more of the same back-and-forth intensity, producing 10 lead changes and seven ties as both teams traded big plays. Rutgers–Newark came out strong to open the period, using efficient offense and defensive pressure to build an eight-point lead within the first few minutes. NJCU responded with a pivotal 9–0 run that erased the gap and shifted the momentum back in their favor.
In the final seconds, Brince Shelton buried a step-back jumper to give the Gothic Knights a two-point lead with four seconds remaining. But Rutgers–Newark refused to fold as Ayden Brown was fouled on a three-point attempt as the clock expired and calmly hit two of three free throws to tie the game and force overtime.
Overtime was tightly contested, with the lead changing hands five more times and the outcome coming down to the final seconds. With under a minute left, Matt McSorely sank two free throws to give NJCU the lead. Raheem Murray attempted to reclaim the advantage for Rutgers-Newark with a three-pointer in the final nine seconds, but it was off the mark. Will Ndio pulled down the offensive rebound, drew a foul, and hit two clutch free throws to tie the game. However, a costly personal foul by Ndio on the ensuing possession sent Bakhi Rogers-Robinson to the line, where he converted to put the Gothic Knights back in front for good, delivering the final dagger to the Scarlet Raiders.
Rutgers-Newark leaned heavily on two of its top scorers. Ayden Brown once again topped his career high as he erupted for 26 points, connecting on several threes while also pulling down four rebounds in 40 minutes of play. Murray supplied some more offense as he added 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting.
Rutgers-Newark will look to rebound this Saturday as the play host to Montclair State in another NJAC matchup.
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