Rowan Honors Late Head Coach Poles, but Profs Fall to Stockton in NJAC Opener, 48-40

GLASSBORO, NJ -- Rowan was on the wrong end of a 48-40 score as the Profs fell in its NJAC opener to Stockton Tuesday evening at Esbjornson Gymnasium.

The night also served as both Rowan men's and women's basketball teams hosted "Demetrius Poles Night" in support of Bringing Hope Home, as the memory of the former head women's coach was recognized prior to the game with his family in attendance. Bringing Hope Home is a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional assistance to local families who have a loved one fighting cancer. Donations will go to Bringing Hope Home's Light of Hope Family Program, which helps paying household bills for those families. Click the link above for more information and to make a donation.

Nicole Mallard scored a game-high 17 points, but Rowan was held without a point over the final 2:35 of the contest.

Imene Fathi had 12 points for the Ospreys and 11 from Emma Morrone. Morrone scored five of those points as part of the 8-0 run to close out the game.

Scoring was at a premium in the first two quarters, as the teams totaled 11 field goals and 28 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. Stockton would hold a 17-16 lead at halftime and eventually lead by eight (33-25) heading into the final frame.

A layup from Mallard and a three from Savannah Holt to start the fourth, helped cut into the Osprey lead. Two free throws from Kate Herlihy knotted things up at 38-38 with 4:33 to go. Two more free throws from Eliana Santana gave the Profs its last lead on the night (40-39) before Marrone hit the eventual go-ahead jumper in the paint to start the scoring stretch to help ice it.

Santana ended the night with four points but snagged a game-high 10 rebounds. Jess McLaughlin dished out five assists and Charlotte Carlies blocked three shots, both career highs.

Next up for Rowan is a non-conference matchup against Gwynedd Mercy here in Glassboro on Monday, November 27th in a 7 p.m. start.