JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men's basketball team faced a heartbreaking loss to Montclair State University, falling 89-85 in a thrilling, high-intensity game that went into overtime at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center on Wednesday, February 12.

Despite shooting an impressive 50.8% from the field (31-61), 42.1% from three-point range (8-19), and 71.4% from the free-throw line (15-21), the Gothic Knights couldn't hold off Montclair State's late-game surge. Montclair, on the other hand, shot 49.2% from the field (30-61), 45.5% from three-point range (15-33), and 73.7% from the charity stripe (14-19). While NJCU dominated in key statistical categories such as rebounds (32-27), bench points (32-22), blocks (4-0), fastbreak points (8-5), points off turnovers (23-18), points in the paint (32-28), and second-chance points (12-8), Montclair's superior playmaking (22 assists) and their ability to force 19 turnovers played a critical role in securing the win. NJCU was forced to commit 15 turnovers themselves in the contest, contributing to the overall back-and-forth nature of the game.

Guard Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) led the way for NJCU, posting a double-double with 20 points (8-14) and 10 rebounds, along with four assists and two steals. This was his fifth double-double of the season and his fourth 20-point performance. Guard Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) also had a standout performance, contributing 19 points (7-11), including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, along with three steals and three assists. Guard Quamir Martin (Roselle, N.J./Abraham Clark) provided a spark off the bench, recording a career-high 16 points to help keep the game close.

Montclair was led by Jacob Morales, who had an outstanding game, scoring 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, while also collecting five steals. Kieran Flanigan added 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Ahmad Robertson and Mike Jackson combined for 27 points, with Jackson contributing five assists.

The game started with Montclair State gaining an early advantage, establishing an 18-11 lead midway through the first half, driven by eight points from Morales. However, the Gothic Knights responded with a 12-5 run, highlighted by four points from forward Raymond Ezike (Newark, N.J./Westside), to tie the game at 23. The teams continued to trade baskets, with Lewis putting NJCU ahead 30-28 with 7:57 left. Montclair answered with an 8-0 run to retake the lead at 36-31. Quamir Martin (Roselle, N.J./Abraham Clark) stepped up, scoring nine points in a span of just a few minutes, helping NJCU go on a 14-4 run to finish the half with a 45-40 lead.

In the second half, NJCU came out strong, opening the period with a 15-3 run. Seven points from Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) during this stretch helped extend the Gothic Knights' lead to 60-43. Montclair, however, began to rally, slowly chipping away at the deficit. By the 10:22 mark, the Red Hawks had cut the lead to single digits at 62-54. Martin briefly pushed the lead back into double digits with a three-pointer at 9:47, giving NJCU a 65-54 advantage. The teams continued to exchange baskets, but Montclair's persistence paid off when Morales hit a clutch three-pointer with 5:40 remaining, bringing the Red Hawks within striking distance at 69-63. With just under a minute left, Flanigan converted a fastbreak layup to make it a one-point game, 73-72. At the other end, Lewis calmly sank one of two free throws to extend the lead to 74-72. In the final seconds of regulation, Robertson hit a fastbreak layup with just 4.4 seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime at 74-74.

The overtime period was a tense affair. Montclair quickly gained a two-possession lead with 1:18 remaining, as they went ahead 85-80. Mike Jackson was sent to the free-throw line, where he made one of two attempts, pushing Montclair's lead to 86-80. NJCU fought back, with forward Arterio Williams (Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West) making one of two free throws to cut the deficit to 86-81. Matt McSorley (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) then converted two free throws for the Gothic Knights, narrowing the gap to 88-83. With just 5.7 seconds remaining, Martin hit a jumper to bring NJCU within three points, 88-85. However, Montclair sealed the game with free throws in the closing seconds, securing the 89-85 victory in what was a hard-fought, emotional contest.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights head to TCNJ on Saturday, Feb. 15 for a 3:00 p.m. NJAC matchup.

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.