WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson men's basketball team (5-5, 1-4 NJAC) cruised to a 72-51 home win over the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) (3-6, 1-1 Skyline) on Dec. 14.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The two sides were even at 20 apiece with 7:46 on the clock in the first half before junior Shawn Summers Jr. sparked a 15-0 William Paterson run that lasted just over seven minutes of action.
• Carrying a double-digit lead into the second half, the Pioneers built on their advantage and went on a 17-3 run with 18:52 remaining to put William Paterson ahead by 25, 52-27. During that stretch the Pioneers shot 7-of-10 (.700) from the floor and 3-of-4 (.750) from long range.
• The Pioneers' lead proved to be insurmountable as William Paterson secured the non-conference victory.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Summers Jr. filled up the stat sheet after recording 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a career-high six steals.
• Sophomore Neftali Valentin recorded 14 points, four rebounds and three helpers.
• Senior Jadon Cepeda tallied nine points.
• The Pioneers knocked down a season-high 16 shots from beyond the arc.

 
UP NEXT:

• The Pioneers will battle St. Joseph's Brooklyn on Dec. 28 on the opening day of the two-day Centenary Tournament in Hackettstown, N.J.