Mahwah, NJ: It was another men's basketball thriller between New Jersey City University and Ramapo as the Roadrunners defeated the Gothic Knights 85-84 in overtime, the game winning shot coming from Josh Ford. Ramapo moves to 12-4 overall, 8-1 in the NJAC while the Gothic Knights move to 12-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference.
The game began with NJCU getting to a hot start with a 7-0 run led by Sam Toney, who had five of the seven points. Toney would miss only one shot in the first half, going 7-for-8 from the field including a perfect 5-of-5 from three for a total 19 points.
However, the Roadrunners stuck with the Gothic Knights and were only down two heading into the locker room. Christopher Moseley was a perfect 3-of-3 from the field as well as 2-for-4 from the free throw line for a team-high eight points. Rob Lewis and Patrick Peterson added six points apiece as well.
As the second half began, Ramapo got two quick buckets to take the lead. But NJCU would continue to cut the deficit, and would eventually take the lead. Thomas Bonacum found his shooting stroke in the second half, while Toney continued to pour in shots.
With the Gothic Knights up 74-71 with just a minute left to play, Peterson caught a pass from Bonacum and hit a deep three from the top of the key to tie the game up with 52 seconds left to play. The Roadrunners would eventually get the final shot for the win, but Bonacum missed a three to force overtime.
NJCU got the first bucket in overtime as Shaquon Worthy scooped a layup in. Both teams went back and forth throughout the period, trading baskets. Tied at 81 apiece, Ford was fouled by James Julius and knocked in two free throws to take the lead. However, Lavrone Green hit a corner three at the other end to take the lead with seven seconds left to go.
With the clocking ticking away, Bonacum inbounded the ball to Ford who took it the length of the court, and fought contact as his layup rolled in with 1.7 seconds left to take a one-point lead. NJCU tried to heave it down the court for a chance to win, but Bonacum stole it and took the win on their home court.
Moseley and Peterson combined for a team-high 18 points, while Bonacum finished with 16. Toney dazzled for NJCU with 42 points on 14-of-21 shooting, including 7-for-11 from beyond the arc.
The next time the Roadrunners are in action will be Jan. 17 when they take on William Paterson University on the road at 7:30 p.m.