WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson men's basketball team (2-0) came out victorious in its 2024-25 home opener after defeating Mount Saint Vincent, 79-70, Nov. 15 at the Sports and Recreation Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers jumped out to a 24-8 advantage with 11:45 remaining in the first half after shooting 62 percent (8-for-13) from the floor.
• Mount Saint Vincent made it a six-point game at the half after outscoring William Paterson, 24-14, through the closing 10:18 of the opening stanza.
• WP built its lead back to double figures and the Pioneers led by as much as 17 (76-59) with 1:51 left to play.
• An 11-1 run pulled the Dolphins within seven (77-70) with 26 seconds on the clock, but the surge came too late as WP prevented any further damage and secured the 79-70 victory.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Senior David Martinez (Maywood, N.J./Hackensack) shot 8-of-14 (.571) with seven 3-pointers for a career-high 23 points to pair with a career-best seven boards.
• Senior Neftali Valentin (Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack) posted a 17-point performance with six rebounds and four assists.
• Senior Tim Gjonballa (Brooklyn, N.Y./Jackson Liberty) recorded a career-high 15 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double.
• Senior Andre Wells (Matawan, N.J./Matawan) finished with 12 points, seven boards and seven assists.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson returns to action Saturday, Nov. 16, for a 3:00 p.m. game against Penn College in Williamsport, Pa.    

 
FOLLOW THE PIONEERS:

• http://www.wpupioneers.com/socialmedia