HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The William Paterson men's basketball team (6-5, 1-4 NJAC) topped St. Joseph's Brooklyn (2-9, 0-3 Skyline), 74-61, on Dec. 28 in the opening round of the Centenary Tournament.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers led by one (43-42) with 16:58 remaining in the game before outscoring St. Joseph's Brooklyn 20-8 over a stretch of 8:36 to gain a 13-point lead (63-50). William Paterson maintained its double-digit advantage en route to capturing the victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Sophomore Neftali Valentin scored a team-high 16 points to pair with a career-high six assists.
• Junior Cesar Silvestro scored a career-best 14 points.
• Junior Shawn Summers Jr. logged 13 points.
• Junior Tyreek Montgomery had nine points and a career-high 14 rebounds.

UP NEXT:

• The Pioneers will remain in Hackettstown, N.J., on Dec. 29 for the Championship Game of the Centenary Tournament to face the winner of Centenary and Hunter at 2:00 p.m.