Men's Basketball Holds Off TCNJ, 72-69

EWING, N.J. (12/6/06) - Senior forward Bryan Keller (Piscataway, N.J.) scored a game-high 21 points, as Kean University escaped with a 72-69 victory over host The College of New Jersey in New Jersey Athletic Conference men's basketball action on Wednesday evening.

Up 41-22 at the half, the Cougars (5-0, 2-0 NJAC) shot 50.0% from the floor (13-of-26) in the second-half to hold off the late game rally by TCNJ (4-4, 1-1 NJAC). A three-point shot to force overtime by TCNJ senior guard Brian Halligan (Delran, N.J.) as time expired banged off the rim and preserved the Cougar victory.

The Lions got themselves back in the contest at the free throw line in the second half, connecting on 19-of-23 foul shots.

Keller knocked down 8-of-14 shots form the floor to lead the Cougars. Senior guard Bryan Miller (Trenton, N.J.) added 15 points, while senior guard Anthony Virgil (Montclair, N.J.) added 12 points off the bench.

Four of TCNJ's five starters finished in double digit scoring on the night as Halligan added a season-high 18 points and his second straight double-double after hauling in 10 rebounds. Junior guard Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) also finished with 14 points after hitting 9-of-12 from the free throw line. Junior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris) picked up 12 points and junior forward Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) added 11 points for the Lions.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday evening, as they take on New Jersey City University in NJAC action in Jersey City, N.J. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.