WAYNE, N.J. – Five Pioneers scored in double figures to help the William Paterson men's basketball team (1-0) secure an 88-75 home victory over St. Joseph's-Long Island (0-1) in the 2025-26 season opener Nov. 10 at the Sports and Recreation Center.  

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers built a 15-point lead (30-15) with 11:17 remaining in the first half after a 3-pointer by sophomore Jianni Moran (Fair Lawn, N.J./Fair Lawn) sparked a 20-6 run. During that stretch, WP connected on 7-of-10 (.700) shots from the field and 5-of-6 (.667) tries from long range.
• The Golden Eagles outscored WP, 30-21, over the ensuing 14:05 of action to trim the deficit to six (51-45) with 17:12 left to play.
• WP responded with a 13-5 run to extend the advantage back to double figures (64-50).
• The Pioneers maintained their lead the rest of the way to secure the 88-75 home victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Pioneers won their fifth consecutive season opener.
• Sophomore Jack Gobel (Weehawken, N.J./Weehawken) scored a career-high 22 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
• Moran went 4-for-6 (.667) from long range, finishing with 14 points and four assists.
• Sophomore Delani Hyde (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) totaled 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block.
• Junior Josiah Carey (Brooklyn, N.Y./Williamstown) shot 4-for-8 (.500) from the floor for a 13-point performance.
• Junior Fred Orock Jr. (Williamstown, N.J./Williamstown) went 4-for-5 (.800) from the field, adding three boards, three assists and two steals to his stat line in his first career game for the Pioneers.
• Senior Cam Reyes (Bronx, N.Y./Bull City Prep) reeled in a team-best six boards to pair with seven points in his WP debut.
• Senior Ethan Paul (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) made his first appearance for the Pioneers, scoring six points and reeling in four rebounds.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will host York (N.Y.) Wednesday, Nov. 12, for a 7:30 p.m. non-conference game.

 
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