GLASSBORO, NJ - Khalif Meares scored a game-high 24 points, with key baskets down the stretch, as Rowan defeated Kean, 76-66, in a key NJAC men's basketball matchup. It was the second straight win for the Profs (12-9; 9-4) as they remain in a tie for third place in the league standings.

Meares shot 9-of-12 from the field, made two three-pointers and converted 4-of-5 free throws, while grabbing eight rebounds.  Danny Fleming scored 16 points as he made 6-of-10 from the field and Brycen Williams also went 6-for-10 for 15 points. Taz Cantey added 10 points as he converted 5-of-7 field goals.

The Profs shot 55.8 percent from the field and made 42.7 percent of their three-pointers with a total of nine.

Rowan broke open a close game going on an 18-5 run in the first five minutes of the second half, making four of its first six shots, and getting two three-pointers from Williams to take a 54-32 lead, its biggest of the game. But Kean responded with a 15-5 run to cut the deficit to 59-51 with 8:31 remaining.

Kean (11-10; 9-5) pulled to within, 63-58, on a three from Justin Morton at 5:44 but consecutive baskets by Meares and Williams gave the Profs a 67-58 cushion.

The Cougars cut Rowan's lead to 69-64 with 2:34, but Meares took over, scoring Rowan's final seven points. His three-pointer at 1:09 gave Rowan a 10-point lead, 74-64, and his free throws at :44 sealed the victory.

In the first half, Kean's biggest lead was 25-17 at 8:02 but the Profs fought back with an 11-0 run to go up, 28-25, with over four minutes to play.  Rowan shot 54.5 (11-for-21) in the first half and Fleming scored 13 points as the Profs ended up with a 34-32 lead at halftime.

Rowan will be on the road this weekend visiting Ramapo on Saturday in a 1 p.m. start.