Galloway, NJ – Stockton University head coach Gerry Matthews collected his 600th career victory with a 76-56 triumph over Kean University (4-18, 4-12 NJAC). The Ospreys (18-6, 13-4 NJAC) forced 24 turnovers that led to 33 points in the game. Matthews became just the 16th coach in Division III history and sixth active coach to reach 600 wins.
Stockton shot 50% (12-24) in the first half and methodically pulled out to a 34-24 halftime advantage. The Ospreys jumped out quickly, forging ahead 15-2 in the first 6:12 of the half. Marcus Harmon (Whitesboro/Middle Twp.) nailed two three-pointers during the run, on his way to 10 first-half points.
Stockton stretched the advantage to as many as 16 points at 34-18 on a three-pointer by Kashaun Barnes (Toms River/Manchester Twp.) before the Cougars scored six points in the last 2:31 of the first stanza to cut the lead to 34-24 at the break.
The second half followed a similar patters as Stockton gradually pulled away. The margin reached 28 (69-41) on a three-pointer by Jaymere Hadden (Millville/Millville) with 4:46 left before both teams cleared the benches to finish out the contest and give Matthews his 600th win at 76-56.
Harmon led the Ospreys with 15 points while Hadden added 14 markers along with team-highs of seven rebounds and five assists. Stockton dished 19 assists on their 26 baskets for the day. Senior Armin Cane (Pleasantville/Pleasantville), playing his final regular season home game, chipped in with 12 points and a game-high four steals.
Blake Rossell (Margate/St. Augustine) scored a career high nine points for Stockton and tied his career-high with four rebounds. Tom Catanoso (Cape May CH/Middle Twp.) scored eight points and did not miss a shot, going 2-2 from three-point range and 2-2 at the line. He also dished three assists.
Diego Pujols was the only player for Kean to score in double figures, netting a game-high 18 points to go with a team-high five assists. Jerry Crismond grabbed eight rebounds to lead all players.
Stockton ends their regular season with a road game at Montclair State on Wednesday night at 8 p.m.