WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson men's basketball team (4-5, 2-3 NJAC) lost a 67-45 decision against visiting Kean (3-5, 3-3 NJAC) Dec. 12.

The Cougars took control early, using an 8-1 run to seize a 19-8 lead midway through the first half en route to a 33-19 score at halftime.  Kean shot 46.2 (12-26) percent overall and 58.3 (7-12) percent from three-point range while the Pioneers made just seven of its 32 attempts (.219), including a 2-for-11 (.182) effort from behind the arc, during the opening period.

WP used a 10-2 burst to get as close as 12 (53-41, 5:41) in the second half, but the Cougars answered by scoring 14 of the game's final 18 points.  The Pioneers committed just eight turnovers compared to Kean's 21, but the Cougars finished with a .533 (24-45) field-goal percentage while limiting the Pioneers to a .295 (18-61) effort.

Senior guard/forward Lance Brown (Teaneck, N.J./Paterson Catholic) led WP with eight points and six rebounds.  Freshman guard Bright Mensah (Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack) contributed seven tallies.

Michael Burton scored a game-high 21 points for Kean.  Tommy Soulias had 17 tallies, and Kyle Latorre collected 12 rebounds.

William Paterson will play at Rowan Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1:00 p.m.

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