NEWARK, N.J. - Rutgers–Newark men's basketball secured a dramatic 88–85 victory over Rowan University on Saturday night in NJAC action at The Golden Dome. The Scarlet Raiders delivered one of their most complete offensive halves of the season and closed the game with poise in the final seconds.

Rutgers–Newark came out firing in the opening half, shooting an impressive 65 percent from the field to build a five-point advantage at the break, 43–38. The Scarlet Raiders controlled the tempo early, moving the ball efficiently and capitalizing on high-percentage looks. Eli'sha Brown led the first-half charge with 11 points and five rebounds, setting the tone on both ends of the floor.

The second half remained tightly contested, but Rutgers–Newark continued to find answers offensively. Raheem Murray caught fire after the break, pouring in 15 of his points in the second half to keep the Scarlet Raiders in front. Krish Patel provided a key spark off the bench, knocking down three three-pointers in the half to help maintain the lead. The Scarlet Raiders held control for most of the period until the Profs mounted a late 7–0 run, tying the game at 85–85 with just 11 seconds remaining.

After a desperation three-point attempt from Murray came up short, Ayden Brown crashed the glass and secured a crucial offensive rebound. Fouled with one second left, Brown calmly stepped to the line and converted both free throws to restore the lead. Rutgers–Newark held on in the final moment to seal the thrilling 88–85 victory.

Murray paced the Scarlet Raiders with 21 points, while Eli'sha Brown added 15 points and seven rebounds. Ayden Brown recorded 13 points and eight rebounds, and Patel chipped in 10 points off the bench to round out the balanced scoring effort.

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