JERSEY CITY, N.J. (November 15, 2017) – Senior
Thomas Cook recorded his first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but New Jersey City University sank four free throws over the final 18 seconds to hold off the Stevens Institute of Technology men's basketball team 77-73 Wednesday in both program's season opener.
Junior
Jayson Winick netted 18 points and sophomore
Dylan Walsh came off the bench to add 10 for the Ducks, who fell to 0-1.
Sam Toney led all players with 23 points and 15 rebounds and Lavrone Green added 15 points and a game-high six assists for the Gothic Knights, who improved to 1-0. NJCU has won the last six meetings between the teams.
Turning Point
- After battling back from an 11-point deficit in the second half, Winick sank a corner three to tie the game at 71 with just over a minute remaining in regulation.
- After a Stevens timeout, Shaquan Worthy found Yuri Brutus open for a long jumper, reclaiming a two-point advantage for NJCU.
- Stevens worked within its half-court offense, but junior Kevin Florio misfired on a layup attempt and Toney pulled down the rebound.
- Trailing by two and without the ball, Stevens was forced to foul Green, who sank both free throws to give the Gothic Knights a four-point advantage.
Inside the Numbers
- Cook set career-highs in both points and rebounds. The Belchertown, Massachusetts native also sank all eight of his free throw attempts.
- Winick led four Ducks in double-figures.
- Although the Ducks committed more turnovers than the Gothic Knights (25-18), Stevens held in points off turnovers (26-19).
- Stevens also held the edge in bench points (26-15) and second-chance points (19-18).
- NJCU held the edge in points in the paint (32-26) and fast break point (18-12).
- Sophomore Spencer Cook, the 2017 Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year, made his second career start.
From the Court
- "It wasn't the result we wanted, but there are certainly positives to take from tonight."
- "NJCU forced us into making a few mistakes in some key situations, which they were able to turn into points. If we minimize those mistakes moving forward, we will be in a better position at the end of the game."
Up Next
- Stevens heads to Williamstown, Massachusetts for the Williams Invitational, hosted by Williams College.
- The Ducks will open play against Suffolk University Friday evening.
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