MONTCLAIR
MEN’S BASKETBALL
GAME 28: NJCU vs. Montclair State (NJAC Championship)
2010-11 SCHEDULE/RESULTS F 11/19 N Alfred L, 60-64 Sa•11/20 N Philadelphia Biblical 1 W, 82-52 M•11/22 A Medgar Evers L, 74-77 W•12/1 H RUTGERS-NEWARK ** L, 116-118 (3 OT) W•12/4 H KEAN * L, 67-70. M•12/6 H LEHMAN W, 84-53 W•12/8 H VAUGHN W, 92-41 M•12/13 N RPI (@ Times Union Ctr.) L, 67-69 F•12/17 A Alvernia L, 63-65 W•1/5 N St. Joseph’s (Brooklyn) 2 W, 97-44 Sa•1/8 A The College of New Jersey * W, 71-69 W•1/12 H WILLIAM PATERSON ** PPD Sa•1/15 H RICHARD STOCKTON * W, 78-74 M•1/17 A City Tech W, 83-74 W•1/19 A #20 Ramapo ** L, 76-77 Sa•1/22 A Rowan * L, 47-55 W•1/24 H WILLIAM PATERSON ** W, 59-49 W•1/26 H MONTCLAIR STATE ** PPD Sa•1/29 H RUTGERS-CAMDEN * ! W, 63-42 M•1/31 H YORK (NY) W, 70-47 W•2/2 A Rutgers-Newark ** W, 83-67 Sa•2/5 A Brooklyn W, 64-48 M•2/7 H BERKELEY W, 103-47 W•2/9 A William Paterson ** W, 63-47 Sa•2/12 H #22 RAMAPO ** W, 81-69 M•2/15 H MONTCLAIR STATE ** W, 82-62 W•2/16 A Montclair State ** L, 53-62 Sa•2/19 H NJAC QUARTERS: ROWAN W, 75-72 Tu•2/22 A NJAC Semifinals: Kean W, 75-61 F•2/25 H NJAC Finals: MONTCLAIR 7 p.m. Home games (in CAPS) played on Charlie Brown Court at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center * denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference game. ** denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference North Division game. 1 Nate Ware Inivitational at St. David’s, PA •
GAME NOTES (page 1)
1
Keith Williams
Da’Shon Barrino
Tom McDermott
2 Prudential Center (Newark, NJ) ! denotes Homecoming/Green and Gold Days
MONTCLAIR’S 10-GAME GLANCE W•1/19 H RUTGERS-NEWARK ** W, 82-72 Sa•1/22 H COLLEGE of NEW JERSEY * W, 74-57 Sa•1/29 H RICHARD STOCKTON * W, 69-61 W•2/2 H WILLIAM PATERSON ** W, 50-47 Sa•2/5 A #23 Ramapo ** L, 68-78 Sa•2/12 A Rutgers-Newark ** L, 48-66 M•2/14 A New Jersey City ** L, 62-82 W•2/16 H NEW JERSEY CITY ** W, 62-53 Sa•2/19 A Richard Stockton (NJAC Quarters) W, 61-60 Tu•2/22 A #23 Ramapo (NJAC Semis) W, 67-64 * denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference game. ** denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference North Division game.
Rob Robinson
SETTING THE SCENE: For the third time in 11 days, New Jersey City University (18-9, 8-5 NJAC) meets Montclair State University (20-7, 8-5 NJAC), with the 2011 New Jersey Athletic Conference championship and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament on the line. NJCU, winners of an unprecedented 11 conference championships, will seek their first since the 2003-04 season. It is NJCU’s first appearance in the conference finals since the 2006-07 season, when the Gothic Knights fell at home to Ramapo College in overtime. That was NJCU’s last appearance in the NJAC Tournament prior to this season. NJCU is 6-4 all-time in NJAC Finals since the event began in 1977-78. NJCU will host an NJAC championship game for the eighth time in its history. NJCU is 5-2 all-time in home NJAC championship contests. THE SERIES: MSU leads the all-time series, which dates to 1932-33, 87-65. The two schools split the 2010-11 season series, playing a regular seasonending home-and-home series three days apart that was necessitated by snow postponements. On February 14, NJCU routed Montclair in Jersey City, 82-62, and with the win, clinched the NJAC North No. 2 seed. Two days later, on February 16, the schools met in a rematch in Montclair, NJ and the Red Hawks, needing a win to qualify for the NJAC Tournament, snapped NJCU’s nine-game winning streak with a 62-53 result, to gain the No. 3 seed in the NJAC North. HOW THEY GOT HERE: NJCU earned a berth in the NJAC championship game with a 75-61 road win over NJAC North No. 1 seed in the semifinals on Tuesday, February 22. In the quarterfinals on February 19 in Jersey City, NJ, the Knights rallied from seven points down with 2:10 to play for a 75-72 victory over Rowan University. Montclair posted a 67-64 road upset of NJAC North Division champion and #25 ranked Ramapo College in the semifinals in Mahwah,
continued on page 3-4 ***THE NCAA, ECAC, NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE AND NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY PROMOTE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP BY STUDENT-ATHLETES, COACHES, STAFF AND SPECTATORS. WE REQUEST YOUR COOPERATION BY SUPPORTING THE PARTICIPANTS AND OFFICIALS IN A POSITIVE MANNER. PROFANITY, RACIST, OR SEXIST COMMENTS, OR OTHER INTIMIDATING ACTIONS DIRECTED AT OFFICIALS, STUDENT-ATHLETES, COACHES, TEAM-REPRESENTATIVES OR SPECTATORS—AS WELL AS PUBLIC INTOXICATION, THE CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS—WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND ARE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE JOHN J. MOORE AFC AND OTHER DISCIPLINARHY ACTIONS***
• Friday, February 25, 2011
STATISTICAL LEADERS NJCU (as of 02/24/11)
Points Per Game: 1. Keith Williams................... 11.1 (301) 2. Da’Shon Barrino............... 10.9 (283) Rebounds Per Game: 1. Josh Hosang............................5.2 (135) 2. Tom McDermott............... 4.6 (120) Assists Per Game: 1. Keith Williams.....................3.0 (82) 2. Da’Shon Barrino...................2.5 (66) Steals Per Game: 1. Keith Williams................... 2.7 (73)* 2. Da’Shon Barrino....................1.8 (48) Blocks Per Game: 1. Taquan Abdullah..................0.7 (19) 2t. Josh Hosang/Rob Robinson...0.6 (19) Minutes Per Game: 1. Keith Williams................. 27.3 (737) 2. Da’Shon Barrino............... 23.7 (616) Field Goal Percentage: 1. Josh Hosang................. .544 (81-149) 2. Ashmere Wilson........ .532 (74-139) Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: 1. Taquan Abdullah.......... .387 (12-31) 2. Keith Williams........... .368 (39-106) Free Throw Percentage: 1. James Livingston........854 (70-82) * 2. Da’Shon Barrino.... .848 (56-66) * *
MONTCLAIR (as of 02/24/11)
1. Andrew August................ 16.3 (439) 2. Rodney Freeney................14.1 (380) Rebounds Per Game: 1. Andrew August..................7.5 (203) 2. Tyrone Prewitt................... 6.9 (185) Assists Per Game: 1. A.J. Larkin.............................. 3.2 (86) 2. Tom Bonard.......................... 2.5 (67) Steals Per Game: 1. Rodney Freeney.....................1.4 (38) 2. Michael Price.........................1.3 (34) Blocks Per Game: 1. Tyrone Prewitt......................1.2 (33) 2. Andrew August.....................0.7 (19) Minutes Per Game: 1. Rodney Freeney................ 32.3 (873) 2. A.J. Larkin......................... 32.1 (866) Field Goal Percentage: 1. Tyrone Prewitt............ .591 (91-154) 2. Andrew August.........588 (160-272) Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: 1. Tom Bonard....................347 (33-95) 2. A.J. Larkin....................340 (34-100) Free Throw Percentage: 1. A.J. Larkin...................... .747 (59-79) 2. Rodney Freeney........... .722 (57-59) Active players only listed Minimums: 2 FG , 1 3FG, 2 FT attempt/game * denotes conference leader
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY GOTHIC KNIGHTS (18-9, 8-5 NJAC; Streak: WON 2) NO NAME 10 Naadir Williams 11 Da’Shon Barrino 12 Keith Williams 14 Ashmere Wilson 15 James Livingston 20 Taquan Abdullah 23 Tom McDermott 24 Rob Robinson 30 Michael Johnson 32 Walik Albright 41 Josh Hosang
YR SO SR JR SO SR JR SR SR FR SO JR
POS PG PG PG SG SG F PF SG G SF C
HT 5-9 5-8 5-9 6-2 6-4 6-8 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-5 6-7
WT 165 155 160 180 175 195 210 190 170 215 235
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL Newark, NJ/Weequahic Newark, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter Newark, NJ/Weequahic Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central Kenilworth, NJ/David Brearley Kearny, NJ/Kearny East Orange, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz Newark, NJ/Irvington Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter Hackensack, NJ/Palm Beach Central (West Palm Beach, FL)
Head Coach: Assistant Coach: Assistant Coach: Assistant Coach: Captain:
Marc Brown (Siena College `91; Fourth season) Chris Brown (Pace University, `91; Second season) Jonathan Greene (New Jersey City University, `01; Fourth season) Dennis Leonard (James Madison University; Third season) Da’Shon Barrino, Tom McDermott, Rob Robinson
! = out for season (injured) (#25 Josh Caver, #33 Rashad Davis)
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY RED HAWKS (20-7, 8-5 NJAC; Streak: WON 3) NO NAME 3 Tom Bonard 4 Bryan Godfrey 10 Rodney Freeney 11 A.J. Larkin 15 Brendan Holland 20 Andrew August 22 Darien Barner 23 Michael Price 24 Hal Abraham 30 Nick Tennant 32 Michael Walker 33 Tyrone Prewitt 35 Ken Spooner 40 Sean Young 42 Ordel Goldson 45 Charles Miller Brandon Perez Brandon Sessoms Kyle Nachtergaele Head Coach: Assistant Coaches:
YR POS HT WT HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL SR G 5-9 155 Westfield, NJ/Westfield JR G 6-0 175 Rahway, NJ/Roselle Catholic SR G 5-11 170 Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway SO G 5-10 175 Passaic, NJ/St. Mary’s (Rutherford) JR F 6-7 195 Briarcliff Manor, NY/Trinity Pawling JR F 6-6 220 Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan SO F 6-6 205 New London, CT/New London FR G 6-0 170 Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield SR F 6-3 215 Suffern, NY/Suffern JR G 6-0 170 Atlantic Highlands, NJ/Henry Hudson JR G 6-2 185 Union, NJ/Union SR F 6-4 215 Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central JR F 6-3 195 Rivervale, NJ/Pascack Valley SR F 6-6 220 Scotch Plains, NJ/SP-Fanwood FR F 6-5 185 Hackettstown, NJ/Warren Hills SR F 6-6 250 Linden, NJ/Linden FR G 5-6 150 Clifton, NJ/Clifton FR G 6-1 185 Newark, NJ/Weequahic SO F 6-6 220 Gent, Belgium Ted Fiore (Seton Hall University; 13th season) Ed Ward, Bill Brooks, Daren Rowe, Art Pasquale, Ben Candelino, Sal Marinello, Will Bishop, Ken Dudley
NJAC CHAMPION HISTORY PAST CHAMPIONS
TITLES BY SCHOOL: NJCU (11) Rowan/William Paterson (10) Montclair State (9) Richard Stockton (6) Kean/TCNJ (3) Ramapo (2) RU-Camden/RU-Newark (0) 2009-10 William Paterson 2008-09 Richard Stockton 2007-08 Richard Stockton 2006-07 Ramapo 2005-06 William Paterson 2004-05 Ramapo 2003-04 New Jersey City 2002-03 Montclair State 2001-02 William Paterson 2000-01 William Paterson 1999-00 William Paterson 1998-99 Rowan 1997-98 The of New Jersey 1996-97 Richard Stockton 1995-96 Richard Stockton 1994-95 Jersey City State 1993-94 Rowan 1992-93 Rowan 1991-92 Jersey City State 1990-91 Kean 1989-90 Jersey City State 1988-89 Trenton State 1987-88 Stockton State 1986-87 Stockton State 1985-86 Jersey City State 1984-85 William Paterson 1983-84 William Paterson 1982-83 William Paterson 1981-82 Montclair State 1980-81 Montclair State 1979-80 William Paterson 1978-79 Jersey City State 1977-78 Kean 1976-77 Glassboro State 1975-76 Glassboro State 1974-75 Glassboro State 1973-74 Jersey City State 1972-73 Jersey City State 1971-72 William Paterson 1970-71 Montclair/Glassboro (tie) 1969-70 Montclair State 1968-69 Montclair State 1967-68 Montclair State 1966-67 Trenton State 1965-66 Kean 1964-65 Jersey City State 1963-64 Jersey City State 1962-63 Glassboro State 1961-62 Montclair State 1960-61 Jersey City State 1959-60 Montclair State 1958-59 Glassboro State 1957-58 Glassboro State
NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE STANDINGS (thru games of 02/24/2011) Team
Ramapo New Jersey City Montclair State Rutgers-Newark William Paterson
NORTH DIVISION NJAC DIVISION OVERALL W-L PCT. W-L PCT. W-L PCT. STREAK
11-2 8-5 8-5 7-6 4-9
0.846 0.615 0.615 0.538 0.308
7-1 5-3 4-4 3-5 1-7
0.875 20-6 0.769 L1 0.625 18-9 0.667 W2 0.500 20-7 0.741 W3 0.375 17-7 0.708 W1 0.125 12-13 0.480 L6
Team
Kean Richard Stockton Rowan Rutgers-Camden The College of NJ
SOUTH DIVISION NJAC DIVISION OVERALL W-L PCT. W-L PCT. W-L PCT. STREAK
10-3 8-5 5-8 4-9 0-13
0.769 0.615 0.385 0.308 0.000
7-1 6-2 4-4 3-5 0-8
0.875 18-8 0.692 L1 0.750 16-10 0.615 L2 0.500 12-14 0.462 L1 0.375 6-17 0.261 L1 0.000 4-21 0.160 L1
2011 NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL FINALS GAME NOTES (continued) NJ. In the quarterfinals on February 19 in Pomona, NJ, the Red Hawks edged Richard Stockton College, the NJAC South No. 2 seed, 61-60. RANKINGS: NJCU received three points this week in the D3hoops.com Top 25 national poll, which would equate to a No. 39 national ranking. WHAT’s NEXT?: The NJAC Tournament first round begins on Thursday, March 3. The bracket will be announced on Monday, February 28 at 1 p.m. on www.NCAA.com. NJCU’s NJAC HISTORY: NJCU has won a conference record 11 championships but none since 2004. The Knights are making their 25th appearance all-time in the NJAC Tournament with a record of 18-18 (.500) (36 games). NJCU is 15-9 all-time in home NJAC Tournament games (.625). MONTCLAIR’s NJAC HISTORY: The Red Hawks have won nine NJAC championships, with their last coming in 2003—and 86-84 double-overtime win against Ramapo College. This is Montclair’s first trip to the NJAC final since that 2003 contest and its seventh overall. WE’VE DONE THIS BEFORE: NJCU and Montclair have met once previously in the NJAC finals, but both schools had different names. On February 24, 1995 in Jersey City, NJ, the then-Jersey City State College Gothic Knights defeated then-Montclair State College, 67-50. WE’VE DONE THIS BEFORE, BUT IN OTHER SPORTS: Today’s appearance in the NJAC Championship game marks the first time since November 3, 2007 that the Gothic Knights have qualified for the NJAC Finals in any conference-affiliated sport. On that day, NJCU actually hosted two conference finals as the regular season champion in both men’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The opponent that day—Montclair State. The Red Hawks won the soccer game, 1-0, and the volleyball final, 3-1. NJCU vs. MONTCLAIR, NJAC TOURNAMENT HISTORY: Tonight will mark only the fourth time NJCU and Montclair have ever met in the NJAC Tournament and the first meeting in 16 years. NJCU is 2-1 against the Red Hawks in the NJACs, winning in 1983 and 1995, and the Knights are 2-0 at home in the tournament against MSU. Montclair’s lone win came exactly 29 years ago tonight, a four-point win on February 25, 1982. NJCU vs. MONTCLAIR IN NJAC TOURNAMENT (all-time) DATE SITE 2/25/1982 A 2/23/1983 H
LOCATION Montclair, NJ Jersey City, NJ
W/L L W
NJCU 60 77
MSU. 64 72
MARGIN -4 5
2/24/1995 H
Jersey City, NJ
W
67
50
NJAC CHAMPIONS BY SCHOOL: NJCU has won a record 11 NJAC championships, but seeks its first since 2004. Montclair State is fourth with nine NJAC titles; its last was in 2003. NJAC CHAMPIONS BY SCHOOL SCHOOL # OF TITLES YEARS New Jersey City University 11 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2004 Rowan University 10 1958, 1959, 1963, 1971 (tie), 1975, 1976, 1977, 1993, 1994, 1999 William Paterson University 10 1972, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2010 Montclair State University 9 1960, 1962, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 (tie), 1981, 1982, 2003 Richard Stockton College 6 1987, 1988, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009 Kean University 3 1966, 1978, 1991 The College of New Jersey 3 1967, 1989, 1998 Ramapo College 2 2005, 2007 Rutgers-Camden 0 --Rutgers-Newark 0 --ALL-NJAC AWARDS The 2010-11 NJAC All-Conference team was announced on Tuesday and NJCU and Montclair State each had a pair of players earn All-NJAC honors. Junior center Andrew August (Bridgewater, NJ/ Bridgewater-Raritan) was named First-Team All-NJAC. He was a two-time NJAC Player of the Week selection in his first season as a member of the Red Hawks. NJCU junior point guard Keith Williams (Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter), in his first season at NJCU since transferring to the Knights after the 2007-08 season from Kean, earned Second-Team All-NJAC honors and senior shooting guard Da’Shon Barrino (East Orange, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz) earned Honorable Mention All-NJAC honors. Also for MSU, senior point guard Rodney Freeney (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) earned Honorable Mention All-NJAC honors. Freeney’s older brother Rob Freeney played point guard for NJCU for two seasons (2004-06) and was a key member of the Knights’ last NCAA qualifying team in March 2005. LAST MEETINGS: Due to a postponement on January 26, NJCU and Montclair played a home-and-home series to conclude the regular season on February 14 in Jersey City and February 16 in Montclair.
NJAC Team Per Game Stat Comparison: NJCU vs. Montclair State STATISTIC Scoring Offense: Scoring Defense: Scoring Margin: Free Throw Percentage: Field Goal Percentage: Field Goal Percentage Defense: Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: Three-Point Field Goal Percentage Defense: Rebounding Offense: Rebounding Defense: Rebounding Margin: Blocked Shots: Assists: Steals: Turnover Margin: Assist/Turnover Ratio: Offensive Rebounds: Defensive Rebounds: Defensive Rebound Percentage: Offensive Rebound Percentage: Three-Pointers Field Goals Made/Game:
17
Thru February 24, 2011 New Jersey City RANK (of 10) TOTAL 3rd 75.1 3rd 62.0 1st +13.1 1st .701 6th .433 1st .393 6th .318 5th .317 3rd 38.6 7th 35.2 3rd +3.4 1st 4.4 3rd 14.07 1st 12.1 1st +6.07 1st 0.878 2nd 14.0 5th 24.7 7th .671 4th .377 5th 5.2
Montclair State RANK (of 10) 5th 4th 4th 9th 1st 5th 9th 8th 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd 2nd 9th 7th 2nd 5th 4th 1st 3rd 10th
TOTAL 71.2 64.6 +6.6 .652 .469 .413 .295 .341 38.7 31.5 +7.2 3.3 14.15 7.0 +0.04 0.858 13.0 25.7 .717 .379 3.6
2011 NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL FINALS GAME NOTES (continued) FEBRUARY 14, 2011—NJCU 82, MONTCLAIR 62: NJCU committed a mere six turnovers, including just two in the first half and nine different players scored at least seven points as the Gothic Knights extended their winning streak to nine in a row—all by double figures—and clinched second place in the NJAC North Division.
Montclair only played eight men in the must-win game, and everyone in its starting lineup saw at least 28 minutes. Junior forward Andrew August led the Red Hawks with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Sophomore guard A.J. Larkin (Passaic, NJ/ St. Mary’s (Rutherford) added 12 points (2-7 FG) and six rebounds and senior point guard Rodney Freeney (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) chipped in 12 points (5-13 FG).
The balanced NJCU scoring attack was on full display as the Knights’ reserves outscored the Red Hawks bench, 48-19. Montclair only committed 13 turnovers but NJCU used its seven steals to generate a 12-1 advantage in points off giveaways. On a team that has changed its fortunes this season due to its unselfishness, NJCU was credited with an assist on 22 of 28 made field goals.
Tyrone Prewitt finished with 11 rebounds (10 defensive), six points, three assists and three steals. Senior guard Tom Bonard (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) provided nine points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3FG) and senior forward Sean Young (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) added eight points (3-6 FG), eight rebounds and two blocks.
For NJCU, one of the top ranked teams in the nation in turnover margin, the six turnovers in this win were the fewest by the program since committing just five in a loss to then #1 ranked Williams College on January 3, 2004—NJCU’s last NJAC championship season. Of the turnovers vs. Montclair, two came late in the second half on a lane violation and a shot clock violation with six seconds remaining when trying to run out the game clock. Senior guard James Livingston (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central) led NJCU with 11 points (2-6 3FG), seven defensive rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes. Senior swingman Rob Robinson (Newark, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz) scored 10 points in 13 minutes, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from three-point distance. Junior center Josh Hosang (Hackensack, NJ/Palm Beach Central (Fla.)) grabbed a careerhigh 14 rebounds (nine defensive) with five points and three assists. Also for NJCU, senior power forward Tom McDermott (Kearny, NJ/Kearny) provided eight rebounds, seven points and two steals. Sophomore guard Ashmere Wilson (Newark, NJ/Weequahic) registered nine points (3-6 FG) with two assists and senior point guard Da’shon Barrino collected eight points (2-4 3FG) with two assists. Sophomore point guard Naadir Williams (Newark, NJ/Weequahic) had eight points (3-8 FG). Other standouts for the Knights included junior forward Taquan Abdullah (Kenilworth, NJ/David Brearley) with seven points on a perfect 2-of-2 shooting from the field and line, with three assists. Junior point guard Keith Williams chalked up seven points with four assists, three steals and two blocks and sophomore forward Walik Albright (Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter) contributed seven points. Even rookie Michael Johnson (Newark, NJ/Irvington), known for his defense, nailed a three—the only shot he took in the game—as the Knights buried 10 triples in the contest (10-27, .370). Montclair received a double-double in a losing effort from senior forward Tyrone Prewitt (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central), finishing with 16 points (8-14 FG) and 15 rebounds (nine defensive). Junior forward Andrew August added 15 points (4-8 FG, 7-9 FT) and eight rebounds (seven defensive). Freshman guard Michael Price (Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield) totaled nine points (4-8 FG) and three assists. FEBRUARY 16, 2011— MONTCLAIR 62, NJCU 53: In a game Montclair had to win to qualify for the NJAC Tournament, NJCU trailed at halftime for the first time in more than two months and suffered its third lowest shooting performance of the season as MSU, in a must-win situation, snapped the Gothic Knights nine-game winning streak with a 62-53 decision in the regular season finale for both schools at the Panzer Athletic Center. Two days after NJCU pounded Montclair by 20 points, the Red Hawks needed to win to claim the third and final NJAC Tournament berth and with the victory eliminated Rutgers-Newark from tournament contention. While MSU and NJCU both finished the year 8-5 in the NJAC, NJCU had already clinched the No. 2 seed prior to the game with a better divisional record; the Knights were 5-3, MSU was 4-4. In defeat, James Livingston posted a game-high with 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench, highlighted by his free throw prowess. The 17 points match a career high as he scored in double figures for the fifth consecutive game and sixth time in seven outings. Livingston shot 11-of-12 from the foul line for the second time in three games. Rob Robinson scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and 2-of-3 threepointers, adding six rebounds. No other NJCU player scored more than five. Despite NJCU’s bench outscoring the Montclair reserves, 39-10, the Knights received little contribution from its five starters, which combined for 14 points on 6-of-28 (.214).
LAST TIME OUT for NJCU: On Tuesday, NJCU jumped out to leads of 9-0 and 12-2 and never trailed, before eliminating NJAC South Division champion Kean University, 75-61, in the NJAC Semifinals at Harwood Arena. NJCU’s two all-conference point guards, Da’Shon Barrino and Keith Williams combined for 34 of NJCU’s 75 points. Kean was not able to overcome the loss of senior forward Jonathan Jones (Linden, NJ/Linden), who earlier in the day was named the NJAC Player of the Year, who was injured 22 seconds into the game and never returned. Barrino led all players with 18 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point distance and 6-of-6 from the foul line with three assists and two steals and Williams added 16 points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3FG), shooting 8-of-9 from the line. James Livingston was the third NJCU player in double figures, finishing with 10 points (2-5 FG, 5-6 FT) and five rebounds off the bench. Livingston, the NJAC leader in free throw percentage at .854 (Barrino is second at .848), extended his recent free throws converted streak to 48-of-51. Josh Hosang added eight points (3-5 FG) and two steals. Walik Albright finished with seven points (3-7 FG). STILL HOT: NJCU has won 11 of its last 12 games and 15th in 18 contests since opening the year at 3-6 (0-2 NJAC). NJCU has won 10 of its last 13 NJAC games, including the NJAC Tournament. NJCU is now 10-2 at home this season and has won 13 of its last 15 in Jersey City since last season. LEADING THE LEAGUE: NJCU leads the NJAC in a leaguebest seven of 21 categories—scoring margin, free throw percentage, field goal percentage defense, blocked shots, steals, turnover margin and assist/turnover ratio. Ramapo College is second with four categories led while Montclair is third with three categories—field goal Percentage, rebounding margin and defensive rebound percentage. WIN, BY A LOT: NJCU has won eight of its 17 games by at least 20 points this season and 14 times by double figures. Furthermore, the Knights have posted wins of 30 or more five times and three routs by 50 points (56, 53, 51). SCORING MARGIN: NJCU’s scoring margin (+13.0) is 14th in Division III this season. In the NJAC, the margin is 4.3 more than the second place team, Ramapo. WE’LL TAKE THAT: NJCU is now No. 4 in Division III among 402 schools in steals at 12.0 per game. In the NJAC, the Knights are first in steals—2.2 per game more than Ramapo. Keith Williams is the conference leader at 2.8 per game, ranking 21st nationally. TAKE IT, DON’T GIVE IT: NJCUs turnover margin of +6.07 per game is a staggering 4.79 more per game than any other school in the conference. The College of New Jersey is a distant second at +1.28 per game. NJCU ranks No. 7 nationally in turnover margin. No other school in the NJAC ranks higher than 108th. D-FENCE: NJCU leads the NJAC in field goal percentage defense (.393). The Knights rank No. 21 in the country as a team in the important defensive category. The Knights also rank 35th nationally in scoring defense (62.1). The Knights have limited an opponent to fewer than 50 points eight times this season. LIVINGSTON OWNING THE LINE: James Livingston is living it up on the foul line over his last nine games. He is now the NJAC leader in free throw percentage at .854 (70-82) and in the win over Kean, extended his free throws converted streak to 48-of-51. Da’Shon Barrino ranks second in the league in foul shooting at .848 (56-66). THE LINE: NJCU, for the first time in recent history, leads the NJAC in free throw percentage (.701). While Livingston and Barrino rank 1-2 in the league, Keith Williams is seventh (.772). NJCU’s current free throw percentage is its fifth best since the athletic department began tracking the category in 1962-63.
GAME 28: NJCU vs. Montclair State (NJAC Championship)
2010-11 SCHEDULE/RESULTS F 11/19 N Alfred L, 60-64 Sa•11/20 N Philadelphia Biblical 1 W, 82-52 M•11/22 A Medgar Evers L, 74-77 W•12/1 H RUTGERS-NEWARK ** L, 116-118 (3 OT) W•12/4 H KEAN * L, 67-70. M•12/6 H LEHMAN W, 84-53 W•12/8 H VAUGHN W, 92-41 M•12/13 N RPI (@ Times Union Ctr.) L, 67-69 F•12/17 A Alvernia L, 63-65 W•1/5 N St. Joseph’s (Brooklyn) 2 W, 97-44 Sa•1/8 A The College of New Jersey * W, 71-69 W•1/12 H WILLIAM PATERSON ** PPD Sa•1/15 H RICHARD STOCKTON * W, 78-74 M•1/17 A City Tech W, 83-74 W•1/19 A #20 Ramapo ** L, 76-77 Sa•1/22 A Rowan * L, 47-55 W•1/24 H WILLIAM PATERSON ** W, 59-49 W•1/26 H MONTCLAIR STATE ** PPD Sa•1/29 H RUTGERS-CAMDEN * ! W, 63-42 M•1/31 H YORK (NY) W, 70-47 W•2/2 A Rutgers-Newark ** W, 83-67 Sa•2/5 A Brooklyn W, 64-48 M•2/7 H BERKELEY W, 103-47 W•2/9 A William Paterson ** W, 63-47 Sa•2/12 H #22 RAMAPO ** W, 81-69 M•2/15 H MONTCLAIR STATE ** W, 82-62 W•2/16 A Montclair State ** L, 53-62 Sa•2/19 H NJAC QUARTERS: ROWAN W, 75-72 Tu•2/22 A NJAC Semifinals: Kean W, 75-61 F•2/25 H NJAC Finals: MONTCLAIR 7 p.m. Home games (in CAPS) played on Charlie Brown Court at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center * denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference game. ** denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference North Division game. 1 Nate Ware Inivitational at St. David’s, PA •
GAME NOTES (page 1)
1
Keith Williams
Da’Shon Barrino
Tom McDermott
2 Prudential Center (Newark, NJ) ! denotes Homecoming/Green and Gold Days
MONTCLAIR’S 10-GAME GLANCE W•1/19 H RUTGERS-NEWARK ** W, 82-72 Sa•1/22 H COLLEGE of NEW JERSEY * W, 74-57 Sa•1/29 H RICHARD STOCKTON * W, 69-61 W•2/2 H WILLIAM PATERSON ** W, 50-47 Sa•2/5 A #23 Ramapo ** L, 68-78 Sa•2/12 A Rutgers-Newark ** L, 48-66 M•2/14 A New Jersey City ** L, 62-82 W•2/16 H NEW JERSEY CITY ** W, 62-53 Sa•2/19 A Richard Stockton (NJAC Quarters) W, 61-60 Tu•2/22 A #23 Ramapo (NJAC Semis) W, 67-64 * denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference game. ** denotes New Jersey Athletic Conference North Division game.
Rob Robinson
SETTING THE SCENE: For the third time in 11 days, New Jersey City University (18-9, 8-5 NJAC) meets Montclair State University (20-7, 8-5 NJAC), with the 2011 New Jersey Athletic Conference championship and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament on the line. NJCU, winners of an unprecedented 11 conference championships, will seek their first since the 2003-04 season. It is NJCU’s first appearance in the conference finals since the 2006-07 season, when the Gothic Knights fell at home to Ramapo College in overtime. That was NJCU’s last appearance in the NJAC Tournament prior to this season. NJCU is 6-4 all-time in NJAC Finals since the event began in 1977-78. NJCU will host an NJAC championship game for the eighth time in its history. NJCU is 5-2 all-time in home NJAC championship contests. THE SERIES: MSU leads the all-time series, which dates to 1932-33, 87-65. The two schools split the 2010-11 season series, playing a regular seasonending home-and-home series three days apart that was necessitated by snow postponements. On February 14, NJCU routed Montclair in Jersey City, 82-62, and with the win, clinched the NJAC North No. 2 seed. Two days later, on February 16, the schools met in a rematch in Montclair, NJ and the Red Hawks, needing a win to qualify for the NJAC Tournament, snapped NJCU’s nine-game winning streak with a 62-53 result, to gain the No. 3 seed in the NJAC North. HOW THEY GOT HERE: NJCU earned a berth in the NJAC championship game with a 75-61 road win over NJAC North No. 1 seed in the semifinals on Tuesday, February 22. In the quarterfinals on February 19 in Jersey City, NJ, the Knights rallied from seven points down with 2:10 to play for a 75-72 victory over Rowan University. Montclair posted a 67-64 road upset of NJAC North Division champion and #25 ranked Ramapo College in the semifinals in Mahwah,
continued on page 3-4 ***THE NCAA, ECAC, NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE AND NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY PROMOTE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP BY STUDENT-ATHLETES, COACHES, STAFF AND SPECTATORS. WE REQUEST YOUR COOPERATION BY SUPPORTING THE PARTICIPANTS AND OFFICIALS IN A POSITIVE MANNER. PROFANITY, RACIST, OR SEXIST COMMENTS, OR OTHER INTIMIDATING ACTIONS DIRECTED AT OFFICIALS, STUDENT-ATHLETES, COACHES, TEAM-REPRESENTATIVES OR SPECTATORS—AS WELL AS PUBLIC INTOXICATION, THE CONSUMPTION OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS—WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND ARE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE JOHN J. MOORE AFC AND OTHER DISCIPLINARHY ACTIONS***
• Friday, February 25, 2011
STATISTICAL LEADERS NJCU (as of 02/24/11)
Points Per Game: 1. Keith Williams................... 11.1 (301) 2. Da’Shon Barrino............... 10.9 (283) Rebounds Per Game: 1. Josh Hosang............................5.2 (135) 2. Tom McDermott............... 4.6 (120) Assists Per Game: 1. Keith Williams.....................3.0 (82) 2. Da’Shon Barrino...................2.5 (66) Steals Per Game: 1. Keith Williams................... 2.7 (73)* 2. Da’Shon Barrino....................1.8 (48) Blocks Per Game: 1. Taquan Abdullah..................0.7 (19) 2t. Josh Hosang/Rob Robinson...0.6 (19) Minutes Per Game: 1. Keith Williams................. 27.3 (737) 2. Da’Shon Barrino............... 23.7 (616) Field Goal Percentage: 1. Josh Hosang................. .544 (81-149) 2. Ashmere Wilson........ .532 (74-139) Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: 1. Taquan Abdullah.......... .387 (12-31) 2. Keith Williams........... .368 (39-106) Free Throw Percentage: 1. James Livingston........854 (70-82) * 2. Da’Shon Barrino.... .848 (56-66) * *
MONTCLAIR (as of 02/24/11)
1. Andrew August................ 16.3 (439) 2. Rodney Freeney................14.1 (380) Rebounds Per Game: 1. Andrew August..................7.5 (203) 2. Tyrone Prewitt................... 6.9 (185) Assists Per Game: 1. A.J. Larkin.............................. 3.2 (86) 2. Tom Bonard.......................... 2.5 (67) Steals Per Game: 1. Rodney Freeney.....................1.4 (38) 2. Michael Price.........................1.3 (34) Blocks Per Game: 1. Tyrone Prewitt......................1.2 (33) 2. Andrew August.....................0.7 (19) Minutes Per Game: 1. Rodney Freeney................ 32.3 (873) 2. A.J. Larkin......................... 32.1 (866) Field Goal Percentage: 1. Tyrone Prewitt............ .591 (91-154) 2. Andrew August.........588 (160-272) Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: 1. Tom Bonard....................347 (33-95) 2. A.J. Larkin....................340 (34-100) Free Throw Percentage: 1. A.J. Larkin...................... .747 (59-79) 2. Rodney Freeney........... .722 (57-59) Active players only listed Minimums: 2 FG , 1 3FG, 2 FT attempt/game * denotes conference leader
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY GOTHIC KNIGHTS (18-9, 8-5 NJAC; Streak: WON 2) NO NAME 10 Naadir Williams 11 Da’Shon Barrino 12 Keith Williams 14 Ashmere Wilson 15 James Livingston 20 Taquan Abdullah 23 Tom McDermott 24 Rob Robinson 30 Michael Johnson 32 Walik Albright 41 Josh Hosang
YR SO SR JR SO SR JR SR SR FR SO JR
POS PG PG PG SG SG F PF SG G SF C
HT 5-9 5-8 5-9 6-2 6-4 6-8 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-5 6-7
WT 165 155 160 180 175 195 210 190 170 215 235
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL Newark, NJ/Weequahic Newark, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter Newark, NJ/Weequahic Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central Kenilworth, NJ/David Brearley Kearny, NJ/Kearny East Orange, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz Newark, NJ/Irvington Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter Hackensack, NJ/Palm Beach Central (West Palm Beach, FL)
Head Coach: Assistant Coach: Assistant Coach: Assistant Coach: Captain:
Marc Brown (Siena College `91; Fourth season) Chris Brown (Pace University, `91; Second season) Jonathan Greene (New Jersey City University, `01; Fourth season) Dennis Leonard (James Madison University; Third season) Da’Shon Barrino, Tom McDermott, Rob Robinson
! = out for season (injured) (#25 Josh Caver, #33 Rashad Davis)
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY RED HAWKS (20-7, 8-5 NJAC; Streak: WON 3) NO NAME 3 Tom Bonard 4 Bryan Godfrey 10 Rodney Freeney 11 A.J. Larkin 15 Brendan Holland 20 Andrew August 22 Darien Barner 23 Michael Price 24 Hal Abraham 30 Nick Tennant 32 Michael Walker 33 Tyrone Prewitt 35 Ken Spooner 40 Sean Young 42 Ordel Goldson 45 Charles Miller Brandon Perez Brandon Sessoms Kyle Nachtergaele Head Coach: Assistant Coaches:
YR POS HT WT HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL SR G 5-9 155 Westfield, NJ/Westfield JR G 6-0 175 Rahway, NJ/Roselle Catholic SR G 5-11 170 Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway SO G 5-10 175 Passaic, NJ/St. Mary’s (Rutherford) JR F 6-7 195 Briarcliff Manor, NY/Trinity Pawling JR F 6-6 220 Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan SO F 6-6 205 New London, CT/New London FR G 6-0 170 Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield SR F 6-3 215 Suffern, NY/Suffern JR G 6-0 170 Atlantic Highlands, NJ/Henry Hudson JR G 6-2 185 Union, NJ/Union SR F 6-4 215 Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central JR F 6-3 195 Rivervale, NJ/Pascack Valley SR F 6-6 220 Scotch Plains, NJ/SP-Fanwood FR F 6-5 185 Hackettstown, NJ/Warren Hills SR F 6-6 250 Linden, NJ/Linden FR G 5-6 150 Clifton, NJ/Clifton FR G 6-1 185 Newark, NJ/Weequahic SO F 6-6 220 Gent, Belgium Ted Fiore (Seton Hall University; 13th season) Ed Ward, Bill Brooks, Daren Rowe, Art Pasquale, Ben Candelino, Sal Marinello, Will Bishop, Ken Dudley
NJAC CHAMPION HISTORY PAST CHAMPIONS
TITLES BY SCHOOL: NJCU (11) Rowan/William Paterson (10) Montclair State (9) Richard Stockton (6) Kean/TCNJ (3) Ramapo (2) RU-Camden/RU-Newark (0) 2009-10 William Paterson 2008-09 Richard Stockton 2007-08 Richard Stockton 2006-07 Ramapo 2005-06 William Paterson 2004-05 Ramapo 2003-04 New Jersey City 2002-03 Montclair State 2001-02 William Paterson 2000-01 William Paterson 1999-00 William Paterson 1998-99 Rowan 1997-98 The of New Jersey 1996-97 Richard Stockton 1995-96 Richard Stockton 1994-95 Jersey City State 1993-94 Rowan 1992-93 Rowan 1991-92 Jersey City State 1990-91 Kean 1989-90 Jersey City State 1988-89 Trenton State 1987-88 Stockton State 1986-87 Stockton State 1985-86 Jersey City State 1984-85 William Paterson 1983-84 William Paterson 1982-83 William Paterson 1981-82 Montclair State 1980-81 Montclair State 1979-80 William Paterson 1978-79 Jersey City State 1977-78 Kean 1976-77 Glassboro State 1975-76 Glassboro State 1974-75 Glassboro State 1973-74 Jersey City State 1972-73 Jersey City State 1971-72 William Paterson 1970-71 Montclair/Glassboro (tie) 1969-70 Montclair State 1968-69 Montclair State 1967-68 Montclair State 1966-67 Trenton State 1965-66 Kean 1964-65 Jersey City State 1963-64 Jersey City State 1962-63 Glassboro State 1961-62 Montclair State 1960-61 Jersey City State 1959-60 Montclair State 1958-59 Glassboro State 1957-58 Glassboro State
NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE STANDINGS (thru games of 02/24/2011) Team
Ramapo New Jersey City Montclair State Rutgers-Newark William Paterson
NORTH DIVISION NJAC DIVISION OVERALL W-L PCT. W-L PCT. W-L PCT. STREAK
11-2 8-5 8-5 7-6 4-9
0.846 0.615 0.615 0.538 0.308
7-1 5-3 4-4 3-5 1-7
0.875 20-6 0.769 L1 0.625 18-9 0.667 W2 0.500 20-7 0.741 W3 0.375 17-7 0.708 W1 0.125 12-13 0.480 L6
Team
Kean Richard Stockton Rowan Rutgers-Camden The College of NJ
SOUTH DIVISION NJAC DIVISION OVERALL W-L PCT. W-L PCT. W-L PCT. STREAK
10-3 8-5 5-8 4-9 0-13
0.769 0.615 0.385 0.308 0.000
7-1 6-2 4-4 3-5 0-8
0.875 18-8 0.692 L1 0.750 16-10 0.615 L2 0.500 12-14 0.462 L1 0.375 6-17 0.261 L1 0.000 4-21 0.160 L1
2011 NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL FINALS GAME NOTES (continued) NJ. In the quarterfinals on February 19 in Pomona, NJ, the Red Hawks edged Richard Stockton College, the NJAC South No. 2 seed, 61-60. RANKINGS: NJCU received three points this week in the D3hoops.com Top 25 national poll, which would equate to a No. 39 national ranking. WHAT’s NEXT?: The NJAC Tournament first round begins on Thursday, March 3. The bracket will be announced on Monday, February 28 at 1 p.m. on www.NCAA.com. NJCU’s NJAC HISTORY: NJCU has won a conference record 11 championships but none since 2004. The Knights are making their 25th appearance all-time in the NJAC Tournament with a record of 18-18 (.500) (36 games). NJCU is 15-9 all-time in home NJAC Tournament games (.625). MONTCLAIR’s NJAC HISTORY: The Red Hawks have won nine NJAC championships, with their last coming in 2003—and 86-84 double-overtime win against Ramapo College. This is Montclair’s first trip to the NJAC final since that 2003 contest and its seventh overall. WE’VE DONE THIS BEFORE: NJCU and Montclair have met once previously in the NJAC finals, but both schools had different names. On February 24, 1995 in Jersey City, NJ, the then-Jersey City State College Gothic Knights defeated then-Montclair State College, 67-50. WE’VE DONE THIS BEFORE, BUT IN OTHER SPORTS: Today’s appearance in the NJAC Championship game marks the first time since November 3, 2007 that the Gothic Knights have qualified for the NJAC Finals in any conference-affiliated sport. On that day, NJCU actually hosted two conference finals as the regular season champion in both men’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The opponent that day—Montclair State. The Red Hawks won the soccer game, 1-0, and the volleyball final, 3-1. NJCU vs. MONTCLAIR, NJAC TOURNAMENT HISTORY: Tonight will mark only the fourth time NJCU and Montclair have ever met in the NJAC Tournament and the first meeting in 16 years. NJCU is 2-1 against the Red Hawks in the NJACs, winning in 1983 and 1995, and the Knights are 2-0 at home in the tournament against MSU. Montclair’s lone win came exactly 29 years ago tonight, a four-point win on February 25, 1982. NJCU vs. MONTCLAIR IN NJAC TOURNAMENT (all-time) DATE SITE 2/25/1982 A 2/23/1983 H
LOCATION Montclair, NJ Jersey City, NJ
W/L L W
NJCU 60 77
MSU. 64 72
MARGIN -4 5
2/24/1995 H
Jersey City, NJ
W
67
50
NJAC CHAMPIONS BY SCHOOL: NJCU has won a record 11 NJAC championships, but seeks its first since 2004. Montclair State is fourth with nine NJAC titles; its last was in 2003. NJAC CHAMPIONS BY SCHOOL SCHOOL # OF TITLES YEARS New Jersey City University 11 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2004 Rowan University 10 1958, 1959, 1963, 1971 (tie), 1975, 1976, 1977, 1993, 1994, 1999 William Paterson University 10 1972, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2010 Montclair State University 9 1960, 1962, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 (tie), 1981, 1982, 2003 Richard Stockton College 6 1987, 1988, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009 Kean University 3 1966, 1978, 1991 The College of New Jersey 3 1967, 1989, 1998 Ramapo College 2 2005, 2007 Rutgers-Camden 0 --Rutgers-Newark 0 --ALL-NJAC AWARDS The 2010-11 NJAC All-Conference team was announced on Tuesday and NJCU and Montclair State each had a pair of players earn All-NJAC honors. Junior center Andrew August (Bridgewater, NJ/ Bridgewater-Raritan) was named First-Team All-NJAC. He was a two-time NJAC Player of the Week selection in his first season as a member of the Red Hawks. NJCU junior point guard Keith Williams (Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter), in his first season at NJCU since transferring to the Knights after the 2007-08 season from Kean, earned Second-Team All-NJAC honors and senior shooting guard Da’Shon Barrino (East Orange, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz) earned Honorable Mention All-NJAC honors. Also for MSU, senior point guard Rodney Freeney (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) earned Honorable Mention All-NJAC honors. Freeney’s older brother Rob Freeney played point guard for NJCU for two seasons (2004-06) and was a key member of the Knights’ last NCAA qualifying team in March 2005. LAST MEETINGS: Due to a postponement on January 26, NJCU and Montclair played a home-and-home series to conclude the regular season on February 14 in Jersey City and February 16 in Montclair.
NJAC Team Per Game Stat Comparison: NJCU vs. Montclair State STATISTIC Scoring Offense: Scoring Defense: Scoring Margin: Free Throw Percentage: Field Goal Percentage: Field Goal Percentage Defense: Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: Three-Point Field Goal Percentage Defense: Rebounding Offense: Rebounding Defense: Rebounding Margin: Blocked Shots: Assists: Steals: Turnover Margin: Assist/Turnover Ratio: Offensive Rebounds: Defensive Rebounds: Defensive Rebound Percentage: Offensive Rebound Percentage: Three-Pointers Field Goals Made/Game:
17
Thru February 24, 2011 New Jersey City RANK (of 10) TOTAL 3rd 75.1 3rd 62.0 1st +13.1 1st .701 6th .433 1st .393 6th .318 5th .317 3rd 38.6 7th 35.2 3rd +3.4 1st 4.4 3rd 14.07 1st 12.1 1st +6.07 1st 0.878 2nd 14.0 5th 24.7 7th .671 4th .377 5th 5.2
Montclair State RANK (of 10) 5th 4th 4th 9th 1st 5th 9th 8th 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd 2nd 9th 7th 2nd 5th 4th 1st 3rd 10th
TOTAL 71.2 64.6 +6.6 .652 .469 .413 .295 .341 38.7 31.5 +7.2 3.3 14.15 7.0 +0.04 0.858 13.0 25.7 .717 .379 3.6
2011 NEW JERSEY ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL FINALS GAME NOTES (continued) FEBRUARY 14, 2011—NJCU 82, MONTCLAIR 62: NJCU committed a mere six turnovers, including just two in the first half and nine different players scored at least seven points as the Gothic Knights extended their winning streak to nine in a row—all by double figures—and clinched second place in the NJAC North Division.
Montclair only played eight men in the must-win game, and everyone in its starting lineup saw at least 28 minutes. Junior forward Andrew August led the Red Hawks with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Sophomore guard A.J. Larkin (Passaic, NJ/ St. Mary’s (Rutherford) added 12 points (2-7 FG) and six rebounds and senior point guard Rodney Freeney (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) chipped in 12 points (5-13 FG).
The balanced NJCU scoring attack was on full display as the Knights’ reserves outscored the Red Hawks bench, 48-19. Montclair only committed 13 turnovers but NJCU used its seven steals to generate a 12-1 advantage in points off giveaways. On a team that has changed its fortunes this season due to its unselfishness, NJCU was credited with an assist on 22 of 28 made field goals.
Tyrone Prewitt finished with 11 rebounds (10 defensive), six points, three assists and three steals. Senior guard Tom Bonard (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) provided nine points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3FG) and senior forward Sean Young (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) added eight points (3-6 FG), eight rebounds and two blocks.
For NJCU, one of the top ranked teams in the nation in turnover margin, the six turnovers in this win were the fewest by the program since committing just five in a loss to then #1 ranked Williams College on January 3, 2004—NJCU’s last NJAC championship season. Of the turnovers vs. Montclair, two came late in the second half on a lane violation and a shot clock violation with six seconds remaining when trying to run out the game clock. Senior guard James Livingston (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central) led NJCU with 11 points (2-6 3FG), seven defensive rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes. Senior swingman Rob Robinson (Newark, NJ/Malcolm X. Shabazz) scored 10 points in 13 minutes, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from three-point distance. Junior center Josh Hosang (Hackensack, NJ/Palm Beach Central (Fla.)) grabbed a careerhigh 14 rebounds (nine defensive) with five points and three assists. Also for NJCU, senior power forward Tom McDermott (Kearny, NJ/Kearny) provided eight rebounds, seven points and two steals. Sophomore guard Ashmere Wilson (Newark, NJ/Weequahic) registered nine points (3-6 FG) with two assists and senior point guard Da’shon Barrino collected eight points (2-4 3FG) with two assists. Sophomore point guard Naadir Williams (Newark, NJ/Weequahic) had eight points (3-8 FG). Other standouts for the Knights included junior forward Taquan Abdullah (Kenilworth, NJ/David Brearley) with seven points on a perfect 2-of-2 shooting from the field and line, with three assists. Junior point guard Keith Williams chalked up seven points with four assists, three steals and two blocks and sophomore forward Walik Albright (Jersey City, NJ/Create Charter) contributed seven points. Even rookie Michael Johnson (Newark, NJ/Irvington), known for his defense, nailed a three—the only shot he took in the game—as the Knights buried 10 triples in the contest (10-27, .370). Montclair received a double-double in a losing effort from senior forward Tyrone Prewitt (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Central), finishing with 16 points (8-14 FG) and 15 rebounds (nine defensive). Junior forward Andrew August added 15 points (4-8 FG, 7-9 FT) and eight rebounds (seven defensive). Freshman guard Michael Price (Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield) totaled nine points (4-8 FG) and three assists. FEBRUARY 16, 2011— MONTCLAIR 62, NJCU 53: In a game Montclair had to win to qualify for the NJAC Tournament, NJCU trailed at halftime for the first time in more than two months and suffered its third lowest shooting performance of the season as MSU, in a must-win situation, snapped the Gothic Knights nine-game winning streak with a 62-53 decision in the regular season finale for both schools at the Panzer Athletic Center. Two days after NJCU pounded Montclair by 20 points, the Red Hawks needed to win to claim the third and final NJAC Tournament berth and with the victory eliminated Rutgers-Newark from tournament contention. While MSU and NJCU both finished the year 8-5 in the NJAC, NJCU had already clinched the No. 2 seed prior to the game with a better divisional record; the Knights were 5-3, MSU was 4-4. In defeat, James Livingston posted a game-high with 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench, highlighted by his free throw prowess. The 17 points match a career high as he scored in double figures for the fifth consecutive game and sixth time in seven outings. Livingston shot 11-of-12 from the foul line for the second time in three games. Rob Robinson scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting and 2-of-3 threepointers, adding six rebounds. No other NJCU player scored more than five. Despite NJCU’s bench outscoring the Montclair reserves, 39-10, the Knights received little contribution from its five starters, which combined for 14 points on 6-of-28 (.214).
LAST TIME OUT for NJCU: On Tuesday, NJCU jumped out to leads of 9-0 and 12-2 and never trailed, before eliminating NJAC South Division champion Kean University, 75-61, in the NJAC Semifinals at Harwood Arena. NJCU’s two all-conference point guards, Da’Shon Barrino and Keith Williams combined for 34 of NJCU’s 75 points. Kean was not able to overcome the loss of senior forward Jonathan Jones (Linden, NJ/Linden), who earlier in the day was named the NJAC Player of the Year, who was injured 22 seconds into the game and never returned. Barrino led all players with 18 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point distance and 6-of-6 from the foul line with three assists and two steals and Williams added 16 points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3FG), shooting 8-of-9 from the line. James Livingston was the third NJCU player in double figures, finishing with 10 points (2-5 FG, 5-6 FT) and five rebounds off the bench. Livingston, the NJAC leader in free throw percentage at .854 (Barrino is second at .848), extended his recent free throws converted streak to 48-of-51. Josh Hosang added eight points (3-5 FG) and two steals. Walik Albright finished with seven points (3-7 FG). STILL HOT: NJCU has won 11 of its last 12 games and 15th in 18 contests since opening the year at 3-6 (0-2 NJAC). NJCU has won 10 of its last 13 NJAC games, including the NJAC Tournament. NJCU is now 10-2 at home this season and has won 13 of its last 15 in Jersey City since last season. LEADING THE LEAGUE: NJCU leads the NJAC in a leaguebest seven of 21 categories—scoring margin, free throw percentage, field goal percentage defense, blocked shots, steals, turnover margin and assist/turnover ratio. Ramapo College is second with four categories led while Montclair is third with three categories—field goal Percentage, rebounding margin and defensive rebound percentage. WIN, BY A LOT: NJCU has won eight of its 17 games by at least 20 points this season and 14 times by double figures. Furthermore, the Knights have posted wins of 30 or more five times and three routs by 50 points (56, 53, 51). SCORING MARGIN: NJCU’s scoring margin (+13.0) is 14th in Division III this season. In the NJAC, the margin is 4.3 more than the second place team, Ramapo. WE’LL TAKE THAT: NJCU is now No. 4 in Division III among 402 schools in steals at 12.0 per game. In the NJAC, the Knights are first in steals—2.2 per game more than Ramapo. Keith Williams is the conference leader at 2.8 per game, ranking 21st nationally. TAKE IT, DON’T GIVE IT: NJCUs turnover margin of +6.07 per game is a staggering 4.79 more per game than any other school in the conference. The College of New Jersey is a distant second at +1.28 per game. NJCU ranks No. 7 nationally in turnover margin. No other school in the NJAC ranks higher than 108th. D-FENCE: NJCU leads the NJAC in field goal percentage defense (.393). The Knights rank No. 21 in the country as a team in the important defensive category. The Knights also rank 35th nationally in scoring defense (62.1). The Knights have limited an opponent to fewer than 50 points eight times this season. LIVINGSTON OWNING THE LINE: James Livingston is living it up on the foul line over his last nine games. He is now the NJAC leader in free throw percentage at .854 (70-82) and in the win over Kean, extended his free throws converted streak to 48-of-51. Da’Shon Barrino ranks second in the league in foul shooting at .848 (56-66). THE LINE: NJCU, for the first time in recent history, leads the NJAC in free throw percentage (.701). While Livingston and Barrino rank 1-2 in the league, Keith Williams is seventh (.772). NJCU’s current free throw percentage is its fifth best since the athletic department began tracking the category in 1962-63.
