Jan 28, 2026
WAYNE, N.J. – Despite trailing by single digits late in the second half, the William Paterson men's basketball team (6-13, 1-11 NJAC) was unable to overcome the deficit and ultimately fell, 96-82, to No. 5 Montclair State (19-0, 12-0 NJAC) in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game Jan. 28 at the Sports and Recreation Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Pioneers trailed by 16 (68-52) with 11:56 left to play in the game before a layup by freshman Nahsir Merrick sparked an 18-8 WP run, pulling the Pioneers within six (76-70). During that stretch, the Pioneers shot 8-of-11 (.727) from the field.
- Montclair State immediately countered with an 18-5 run that spanned 4:24 of action, extending their advantage to 19 (94-75), before claiming the 96-82 road win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Sophomore Delani Hyde shot 10-of-11 (.909) from the field for a career-high 21 points to go with seven rebounds.
- Sophomore Jack Gobel logged 18 points, four assists and three boards.
- Graduate student Ethan Paul and freshman Ty'Shawn Pearson posted nine points apiece.
- The Pioneers shot 53 percent (33-of-62) from the field as a team.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson heads to Glassboro, N.J., Saturday, Jan. 31, for a 1:00 p.m. matchup against Rowan.
FOLLOW THE PIONEERS: