By Jordan Washington
Staff Writer
The Lions got back on track following a loss to Stockton University, winning two games against Rowan University and Rutgers University-Newark at home this past week.
With Rowan coming in as undefeated, this was a big NJAC game for the Lions. Unlike many games before, the College was off to a great start in the first half, holding a 16-point lead going into halftime. Junior guard Randall Walko had an astounding 15 points in the first half, leading to 19 points for the game –– a team high.
It was a balanced scoring effort, with five players reaching double figures. Senior center Jordan Glover had a good game, adding 17 points to the final score.
It was a very even game from a rebounding standpoint, but the College played great defense. Rowan was held to 36 percent shooting from the field and a disappointing 26 percent from behind the arch.
Rowan sparked a comeback after being down 16 points to make it a close game. Rowan’s 18-4 scoring run made the game 68-66 with the College up by two and 2:43 left on the clock. The team’s free throws at the end of the regulation iced the game and ended the Rowan comeback attempt for a Lions’ win.
The Lions had a tough game against Rutgers-Newark, another NJAC opponent. The team pulled out another close game that came down to the wire. More free throws iced the game for the College. The team’s three-point shooting made the difference in the win. The Lions shot 47 percent from downtown, which is nothing new for this team.
Despite many three-point successes, the College shot only 40 percent from the foul line, which allowed Rutgers-Newark to stay in the game.
Walko led the College in scoring again with 21 points and 57 percent shooting. He also knocked in a couple threes, capping off an all-around great week for the junior guard.
Junior forward Ryan Jensen cleaned up the glass with 11 rebounds, though the College was out rebounded overall.
Rutgers-Newark had many chances to tie with a great look at a three-pointer, but it shot a lackluster 26 percent from behind the arch. It was an even game throughout with many lead changes and several identical statistics between the two teams.
These two games proved to be a very important wins for the Lions as they move to a 3-3 mark and bounce back from a slow start. The Lions will look to go for three straight wins as they go up against NJAC opponent Rutgers-Camden on Saturday, Dec. 8 in Camden, New Jersey.
