Box Score 

WAYNE, N.J. – William Paterson (8-1) erased an early 12-2 deficit to earn its sixth straight victory, a 76-61 men's basketball decision against Hunter (5-4) Dec. 12.

The Hawks made their first four attempts from behind the three-point line to build the early advantage, but the Pioneers came roaring back with a 12-2 run to even the contest at 14-14 (14:09). Ten lead changes and five ties occurred during the game's next 13 minutes, but a pair of late free throws allowed William Paterson to take a slim 39-37 lead into the break.

The Pioneers took control of the game with an early burst to start the second half, quickly building a 56-45 advantage with 12:57 to play. Despite getting within five twice midway through the period, Hunter never seriously threatened to take back the lead from the Pioneers, who shot 57.8 (26-45) percent overall and 77.8 (21-27) from the free-throw line during the contest.

Senior Joseph Ellis (Newark, N.J./Newark Science) scored 13 of his game-high 18 points during the second half, adding three steals. Classmate Tim Lucas (Old Bridge, N.J./Old Bridge) had 15 tallies and eight rebounds, senior Abdoulaye Ouedraogo (Newark, N.J./Newark Science) posted 17 points, seven boards, four assists and four blocked shots, and Bobby Dunn (Garwood, N.J./Arthur L. Johnson Regional) contributed nine tallies, six rebounds and six assists.

Junior Maxwell Dubois led the Hawks with 17 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Eric Klingsberg added 14 tallies and sophomore Matthew Collazo had eight points and six rebounds.

The Pioneers will host Lehman Thursday, Dec. 17, at 6:00 p.m.