Brooklyn, NY --- The Brooklyn College Men's Basketball team picked up its first victory of the 2013-2014 season on Tuesday night, as the Bulldogs defeated the Scarlet Raptors of Rutgers University – Camden by a score of 73-69 at the West Quad Center.

With the win, Brooklyn improves to 1-1 overall on the young season, while Rutgers-Camden falls to 0-2 overall.

BC shot 47.3% (18-for-38) in the first half en route to taking a 41-32 halftime lead. Following a layup from Alex Smart that put the Scarlet Raptors up 12-10 with 9:46 left in the first period, Brooklyn rattled off 11 straight points to take a nine point lead, 21-12, with 7:45 remaining before the break. Sophomore Jamel Gist scored five points in the two minute offensive surge, while classmate Edon Gjonbalaj added four points.

The second half featured a much different period for the Bulldogs, as BC shot just 29.0% (9-for-31) in the half. Brooklyn would lead by as many as 14, 54-40, with 13:55 left in the game; however, Rutgers-Camden would begin to chip away at its deficit and eventually get it down to four points, 61-57, with 5:40 remaining.

The Bulldogs would keep the Scarlet Raptors at arm's length the rest of the way, as Brooklyn hit key free throws down the stretch to seal its 73-69 victory. BC shot 72.2% (13-for-18) from the free throw line in the second half.

For Brooklyn, Edon Gjonbalaj led all scorers with a game-high 18 points, to go with seven rebounds. Gist added 14 points, while classmate Egzon Gjonbalaj finished with 13 points and nine assists. Junior Jai Kellman chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds.

For Rutgers-Camden, Teon Russell registered a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Smart contributed with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Marcus Taylor added 12 points.

Brooklyn will be back in action this Saturday, November 23rd, as the Bulldogs will travel to Newburgh, NY to take on the Knights of Mount Saint Mary College (NY). The non-conference game is scheduled for a 2:00 pm tip-off. Live stats will be available for the game via http://www.sidearmstats.com/msmc/mbball/