WAYNE, N.J. — The New Jersey City University men's basketball team broke its three-game losing streak tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 24, on the road against the William Paterson University Pioneers in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play. NJCU scored its second-highest regulation point total in a NJAC game this season, picking up the 85-81 victory and securing the season sweep over WPU.

Jersey City (6-13, 3-9 NJAC) battled back and forth early on with the Pioneers (6-13, 1-11 NJAC) and had a five-point lead with 9:01 remaining in the first half. The Gothic Knights went up by 11 after a pair of made free throws by junior forward Malachi Gayton (East Orange, N.J./St. Mary's of Assumption), Junior guard Jaheim Lewis' (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) layup at 4:27 extended the lead to 13. WPU was able to get within 10 with a little over 2:00 remaining in the half, but an 8-2 run to close the half gave NJCU a 16-point cushion. 

Half number two started well for the Green and Gold, with senior forward Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) nailing a jumper to bring the lead up to 18. NJCU maintained a double-digit lead until about halfway through the second, however, after the Pioneers strung together multiple stops and scores, the home team got within five points with under eight minutes to play. The Gothic Knights continued to battle with the Pioneers and, with 1:07 remaining, Lewis nailed two free throws and put the team up by six. WPU hit a three on the other end, but Gilbert answered back with one of two from the line to make it a two-possession game. Both teams then traded free throws and that gave NJCU back a two-score lead and the victory as the buzzer sounded.

Highlights:
- The Gothic Knights dominated the points in the paint battle, 48-28.
- Lewis filled up the stat sheet with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
- NJCU had four double-digit scorers.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights remain on the road for another NJAC battle against Kean University on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 27. NJCU looks to pick up its second-straight victory and split the season series with the Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Union, N.J.