Montclair, NJ – Senior forward Ordel Goldson (Hackettstown, NJ, Warren Hills) posted a double-double in the first half en route to career-best 39 points along with 18 rebounds as Montclair State knocked off Rowan University 92-73 in the NJAC opener for both teams at the Panzer Athletic Center on Saturday afternoon.

Senior guard Daniel Singleton (Neptune, NJ, Neptune) added 16 points, six rebounds and six assists as the Red Hawks (1-2, 1-0 NJAC) picked up their first win of the season after two tough losses in the Hampton Inn South Tournament at Mary Washington University last weekend.

Senior guard Tim McDaniels (Mount Holly, NJ / Lenape) had 20 points for Rowan, which fell to 2-2 on the season (0-1 NJAC).

Goldon had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the second half as MSU, which snapped a two-game losing streak against Profs, used an 11-5 run early to take a 17-9 lead on a Goldson layup with 13:18 to play in the opening half. The lead grew to double-digits, including a 26-16 advantage before the Profs cut the lead to 28-25 with 4:37 remaining on a layup by Jason Soffman (West Milford, NJ / West Milford).

Montclair State answered with a 20-6 run to closed the half, including an 11-2 spurt. Singleton, James D'Angelo (Long Valley, NJ, West Morris Central) and Goldson each hit twice from the free throw line and a three-point play by Goldon made the score 37-25. Jason Rosenberg (Wayne, NJ / Wayne Valley) stopped the nine-point run by Kevin McGorry followed with a basket for a 39-27 MSU advantage with 2:51 left.

After Rowan cut the lead to 41-13 with 1:14 to go, the Red Hawks closed out the half with the final seven points, five by Singleton including a buzzer-beating layup that gave the Red Hawks a 48-31 lead.

The Red Hawks shot 50 percent (19-of-38) from the field in the first half and outrebounded the Profs 24-15, including 10 offensive caroms.

Rowan would get no closer than 15 points over the final 20 minutes.

Goldson eclipsed his previous high of 30 points against The College of New Jersey in the season finale last February and his 18 rebounds were one shy of his career high of 19 against Rowan nearly a year ago. The senior also collected three assists and four steals  as he shot 18-of-24 from the field, including 9-of-10 in the second half.

Senior Michael Spence (Irvington, NJ, Manchester Regional) had 10 points and four rebounds while Erick Lofton-Harris (Union, NJ, Union) dished out seven assists.

Soffman and Matt Whitworth (Ocean City, NJ / Ocean City) had 11 points apiece for the Profs. Phil Jackson (Mount Laurel, NJ / Lenape) added 10 points.

Montclair returns to action on Tuesday, November 26 as it hosts Centenary College at the Panzer Athletic Center beginning at 8:00 pm.