MADISON, N.J. – Three Pioneers reached the 20-point scoring plateau as the William Paterson men's basketball team (1-0) started its season with a 100-78 victory against Mount Union (0-1) Nov. 14 in the first round of the Rose City Classic at Drew University.

Senior forward James McLane (Belleville, N.J./Queen of Peace) led all players with 23 points, adding three assists and a team-best eight rebounds. He was 8-for-12 (.667) from the field and 6-for-7 (.857) from three-point range. Senior guard Bright Mensah (Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack) finished 9-for-16 (.563) from the floor to post 22 tallies, seven boards, five assists and three steals, and senior guard Terik Bridgeman (Harlem, N.Y./Nia Prep) had 20 points, four rebounds and two blocked shots, knocking down eight of his 12 (.667) field-goal attempts.

The Pioneers shot a blistering 55.2 (37-67) percent from the field, making 13 of 26 attempts (.500) from beyond the arc, while committing just 11 turnovers. WP also enjoyed a 45-32 advantage on the boards and out-scored the Purple Raiders 27-4 on the break.

William Paterson scored 24 of the game's first 31 points and built a 55-37 advantage by halftime. The Pioneers broke the 100-point barrier for the first time since a 103-63 win against Rowan (12/11/13).

Junior guard Turrell McClendon (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway Tech) contributed eight points and four rebounds, while junior guard Zach Frick (Sparta, N.J./Sparta) had eight tallies from off the bench. Junior reserve forward Richy Espinal (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) chipped in seven points and seven caroms.

Sophomore guard JJ Kukura led the Purple Raiders with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Cody Dillon added 17 tallies.

William Paterson will play the Drew/Potsdam winner Sunday, Nov. 15, in the Rose City Classic final at 4:00 p.m.

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