GLASSBORO, NJ – Marcellus Ross scored 22 points and Ja'Zere Noel added 20 as top-seeded Rowan defeated sixth-seeded TCNJ, 96-83, in the semifinals of the NJAC Men's Basketball Championship at Esby Gym. The Profs (21-5) will play for the conference title, and the league's automatic NCAA bid, when they host Stockton on Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m.
 
The win sets up a second straight NJAC Final between Rowan and Stockton, but this time, the Profs will serve as the host in Esby Gym. It marks the first time in conference history that Rowan will host the championship game. Second-seeded Stockton (22-4) defeated third-seeded Montclair State, 91-86, to reach the final.
 
The Profs were on target from the perimeter, making 12 three-pointers in the contest, led by a 5-for-10 shooting effort from Ross. Andrew Seager scored 16 points, Josh Wright had 11 and D'Andre Vilmar tallied 10.
 
The Profs jumped out to a 21-12 lead in the first 13 minutes and after TCNJ came within 22-17, Connor Dickerson and Noel combined for seven straight points to give them a 29-17 advantage. Rowan made seven three-pointers in the half, with four coming from Ross, and held a 45-34 lead at halftime.
 
Rowan never lost its momentum, or the lead, the rest of the way. TCNJ came within, 54-47, early in the second half, but the home team answered with seven straight as a dunk by Seager gave them a 61-47 lead at 14:31.
 
Holding an 18-point margin, 72-54, with 10:14 to play after five straight points from Josh Wright, Rowan didn't let the Lions come any closer than 16 points until the Profs reached a 20-point lead, 86-66, with 3:07 remaining. The Profs closed out the victory not allowing TCNJ to come any closer than an 11-point margin in the final minute.
 
Rowan shot better than 50 percent from the floor, including a 17-for-31 effort (54.8 percent) in the second half, while taking care of the ball with just seven turnovers.