JERSEY CITY, NJ (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | Twice New Jersey City University was staring at an upset loss, and twice rallied to prevent it. The Gothic Knights trailed 59-52 before scoring the final seven points of regulation to force overtime. Then after Brooklyn College jumped out to a six-point lead in the extra session, NJCU answered with a 9-0 run, highlighted by an electric, momentum-swinging three-point play by unheralded rookie guard David Cole (Avenel, NJ/Colonia), who followed the play by drawing a charge, as the Knights survived, 70-68, in a non-conference men's basketball battle on Monday night at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center on 'Coach Charlie Brown Court.'
NJCU, playing its final non-conference game of the regular season, improved to 14-4 overall and 9-1 at home this season, while winning for the 20th time in its last 21 home court contests. Brooklyn fell to 10-6 with the loss. The all-time series is the same as NJCU's current record; since first meeting in 1963, the Knights lead Brooklyn, 14-4.
Junior swingman Kaihrique Irick (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) was NJCU's top scorer for the ninth time this year, netting a game-best 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting (5-7 FT) and generated his first career double-double, finishing with a game-high 11 rebounds (eight defensive) in 35 minutes.