The third-seeded New Jersey City University (NJCU) men’s basketball team decisively claimed their spot in the semifinals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Tournament with a commanding 67-57 victory over sixth-seed Alvernia on Saturday, March 7, at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.
The Gothic Knights (14-12) showcased their skill by shooting 42.4% from the field (25-59), 18.8% from three-point range (3-16), and an impressive 73.7% from the free-throw line (14-19). In comparison, the Golden Wolves (16-12) posted shooting percentages of 40.8% from the field (20-49), 25% from beyond the arc (3-12), and 77.8% from the charity stripe (14-18). NJCU dominated key statistical categories, outscoring Alvernia in points off turnovers (21-4), bench points (10-2), and fast-break points (18-8). However, Alvernia managed to gain an advantage in second-chance points, outpacing the Gothic Knights 12-2.
Fifth-year forward Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) led NJCU with a season-high 19 points (8-10 shooting), contributing three rebounds, two assists, one block, and a steal. Senior Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) stepped up with 16 points (6-11), a team-high five rebounds, and three assists, while senior guard Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) added 11 points, a game-high five assists, and a season-high four steals.
For Alvernia, Elijah Hamilton emerged as a key player, scoring 18 points (6-10), including 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, while securing seven rebounds. Robert Cottrell and Kareem Diaz added 15 and 13 points respectively, with Derrick Golden leading the team in rebounds with nine and blocking two shots.
After a tie at four, Gilbert’s jumper ignited an 11-4 run, propelling NJCU to a 15-8 lead. Alvernia responded with six consecutive points to narrow the gap to 15-14 with 12:19 remaining in the first half. Despite a three-pointer from the Golden Wolves reducing the margin to 30-27 with 2:48 left in the half, NJCU finished strong, closing the half on a 5-0 run to take a 35-27 lead into halftime. Lewis, who scored 15 of his 16 points in the first half, played a pivotal role in establishing the Gothic Knights’ advantage.
In the second half, NJCU quickly asserted themselves, extending their lead to double figures as Gilbert’s jumper at the 19:30 mark made it 37-27. The Gothic Knights continued to push forward with a 6-0 run, highlighted by guard Bakhi Rogers-Robinson’s flawless trip to the free-throw line (2-2) at the 14:51 mark, pushing the score to 53-33. Although Alvernia tried to stage a comeback, they managed only five points in the final two minutes, resulting in a 10-point loss, 67-57.
This victory propels NJCU into the ECAC semifinals, where they will face off against second-seeded Salisbury tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
Avante Gilbert (Paterson, N.J./International) led NJCU with a season-high 19-point performance (8-10 shooting), adding three rebounds, two assists, one block, and a steal. Senior Jaheim Lewis (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) contributed 16 points (6-11), a team-high five rebounds, and three assists, while senior guard Hakeem Wilson (Newark, N.J./North Star Academy) added 11 points, and a game-high five assists and season-high four steals.
For Alvernia, Elijah Hamilton was the standout performer, recording 18 points (6-10), including 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, and grabbing seven rebounds. Robert Cottrell and Kareem Diaz chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively, while Derrick Golden led the team with nine rebounds and two blocks.
Tied at four, Gilbert’s jumper sparked an 11-4 run, giving NJCU a 15-8 lead. Alvernia responded with six consecutive points to cut the deficit to 15-14 with 12:19 remaining in the first half. The Golden Wolves then hit a three-pointer with 2:48 left to narrow the gap to one possession at 30-27, but NJCU closed the half on a 5-0 run to take a 35-27 lead into the break. Lewis, who scored 15 of his 16 points in the first half, played a key role in the Gothic Knights’ lead.
In the second half, NJCU quickly built a double-digit advantage, as Gilbert’s jumper at the 19:30 mark extended the lead to 37-27. The Gothic Knights stretched the lead even further with a 6-0 run, highlighted by guard Bakhi Rogers-Robinson’s (Orange, N.J./West Caldwell Tech) perfect trip to the free-throw line (2-2) at the 14:51 mark, making it 53-33. Alvernia struggled to mount a comeback, though they scored five points in the final two minutes to finish with a 10-point deficit, 67-57.
With the win, NJCU advances to the ECAC semifinals, where they will face second-seeded Salisbury tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
