By Joseph Caruso
Sports Editor
The College’s men's basketball team defeated Montclair State for the second time in two weeks, this time defeating the Red Hawks on their home court, 83-81, securing the New Jersey Athletic Conference Title.
After besting Montclair State the first time, both teams earned a bye in the NJAC Tournament. The College, now ranked No. 22 in the nation, hosted the Stockton Ospreys in Packer Hall, marking the third matchup between the two teams this season, with each squad claiming victory in their respective home games.
Nonetheless, seniors Nick Koch and Matthew Solomon continued to do the heavy lifting to propel the Lions to the championship, in a double digit win that saw Koch pouring in 22 points and Solomon gobbling up 14 rebounds, claiming the College’s all time leading rebounder spot in the process.
On the other side, Montclair State handled an underdog Rowan team, setting up a much anticipated rematch against the College, who handed them their only loss in an otherwise perfect season.
The Red Hawks, seeking revenge, hosted the College in a hostile environment, coming into the game a perfect 13-0 playing at the Panzer Athletic Center. Both teams came out firing, each putting up more than 40 points in the first half.
The story of the game was the Red Hawks ability to neutralize Koch, the College’s star guard and leading scorer. Koch had arguably his worst game of the season, having just 14 points with zero assists, while going 0-4 from beyond the arc.
However, Koch only played 22 minutes, having fouled out in the second half, relegating him to the bench for the rest of the game. With the Lions leader not present on the floor for the first time all season, it would have to be the other guys that step up. Trailing by as many as 12 points in the final half, the College found themselves trailing by seven with under three minutes remaining.
Junior David Alexandre answered the call, burying a stepback three to bring the Lions back within four, and then hitting another jumper that tied the game at 79. After a Montclair State timeout, the Red Hawks reclaimed a two point lead, but it was quickly erased with yet another bucket from Alexandre.
With the game knotted up at 81, the Lions got a stop, giving them the ball back. Alexandre meandered his way through the painted area before spinning and losing his balance. Falling backwards, he found Solomon under the hoop who slammed home a dunk with just seconds on the clock. A last minute prayer from Montclair State was turned away by Solomon, and the College reigned victorious.
In a true team effort that encapsulates what this year's Lions team is all about, the College defeated Montclair State in the championship 83-81.
Alexandre finished the game with a team high 24 points, playing 39 minutes. Solomon grabbed 17 rebounds and poured in 22 points, in addition to the game-winning dunk and game-sealing block.
Solomon’s year has been nothing short of spectacular, being recognized as the NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, as well as joining Koch on the All-NJAC First Team.
First year Head Coach Evan Elberg has now led the Lions back to the NCAA Tournament, where they will be looking to do some damage. The College will travel to Virginia to face off against Johns Hopkins University in the first round on Friday, March 6.
With the women’s team also winning their NJAC Championship, this is the first year in history where both the men’s and women’s teams are NJAC title holders.
