UNION, N.J. – William Paterson (14-11, 9-9 NJAC) punched its ticket for the upcoming New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Men's Basketball Tournament with a 78-61 victory at Kean (7-18, 5-13 NJAC) during the regular-season finale Feb. 14.

Sixth-seeded WP will play at third-seeded New Jersey City (19-6, 13-5 NJAC) Saturday, Feb. 17, at 3:00 p.m. in the first round of the NJAC Tournament. WP students with ID will be admitted for free.

The Pioneers took control early, opening up a 10-point advantage with less than five minutes remaining in the first half (28-18, 4:26) before an 18-7 run created a 58-39 edge with 9:38 left in the contest.

WP shot 45.9 (28-61) percent from the field while holding the Cougars to a 22-for-64 (.344) effort, owned a +10 rebounding margin and made 15 of 20 (.750) free throws.

Senior forward Richy Espinal led all players with 22 points and 14 rebounds while dishing out four assists. Senior guard Dapo Badmos scored 19 points, sophomore forward Sean Smith had 18 tallies and seven boards, and senior guard George Sapp added 12 points and four assists.

Junior forward Micah Kerr led Kean with 20 points, while junior forward Mike Summerer chipped in 17 tallies and eight rebounds.

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