UNION, N.J. – The William Paterson men's basketball team (6-7, 1-5 NJAC) was bested, 73-62, by Kean (7-6, 4-2 NJAC) in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) road contest Jan. 7.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Pioneers jumped out to a 12-5 lead with 15:11 on the clock in the first half following a score from inside by freshman Demond Kinchen Jr. (Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack)
• Kean found its groove offensively and went on a 27-8 run to take a double-digit lead (32-20) with 2:33 remaining in the half.
• WP trimmed the deficit to seven (34-27) heading into the halftime break following a 7-2 run capped by a layup from sophomore Jack Gobel (Weehawken, N.J./Weehawken) as time expired.
• The Pioneers pulled to within two (49-47) with 11:20 left to play in the game after an 8-2 run. However, the Cougars countered with a 10-2 run and maintained their advantage the rest of the way to earn the 73-62 win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Junior Fred Orock Jr. (Williamstown, N.J./Williamstown) shot 5-of-7 (.714) from the floor for 15 points, adding six rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals.
• Gobel notched a 15-point performance.
• Sophomore Jianni Moran (Fair Lawn, N.J./Fair Lawn) had nine points, four steals, two assists and a rebound.
• Senior Ethan Paul (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) and junior Josiah Carey (Brooklyn, N.Y./Williamstown) tallied four assists apiece.

UP NEXT:

• William Paterson returns to the Sports and Recreation Center Saturday, Jan. 10, for a 3:00 p.m. conference game against New Jersey City.

 
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