Box Score 

MADISON, N.J. – Four Pioneers were in double figures in scoring as the William Paterson men's basketball team (1-0) opened its 2008-09 season with a 74-59 victory at FDU-Florham (0-1) Nov. 16.

Twelve of William Paterson's 15 players got into the scoring column, and nine played 10 or more minutes against the Devils. William Paterson's defense forced 28 turnovers while committing just nine of its own, tallied a 23-7 edge in points off turnovers and a 17-3 advantage in steals. The Pioneers' bench also outscored the Devils' reserves 38-21.

Leading 38-33 at the break, William Paterson saw its lead slip to three twice during the first 1:33 of the second half before scoring eight straight points to open up an 11-point lead (48-37, 12:39) and take control of the contest.

Sophomore Gabriel Paul (Hillside, N.J./Hillside) posted 13 points on 4-for-7 (.571) shooting, adding four steals. Freshman Manny Perrotte (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) and junior Joseph Ellis (Newark, N.J./Newark Science) each added 12 points, and senior Courtney Nelson (Newark, N.J./Bloomfield Tech) chipped in 10 tallies. Junior Bobby Dunn (Garwood, N.J./Johnson Regional) added four points, two steals and a team-best seven rebounds.

Ryan McPherson led FDU-Florham with 14 points and four assists, while Adam Katz tallied 13 points and Isai Reyes contributed a game-best 13 rebounds.

The Pioneers will return to action Friday, Nov. 21, at 6:00 p.m. against Wesleyan in the first round of the Gordon College Tip-Off Tournament.