UNION, N.J. (12/11/19) – Jeff Cooper knocked down six triples and recorded a career-high 21 points as the Kean University men's basketball team tallied its first New Jersey Athletic Conference victory with a 89-83 decision over Ramapo College on Wednesday evening.

Nate Lyles finished with 16 points and seven rebounds for the Cougars who improve to 2-7 overall and 1-3 in the NJAC. Jordan Zagadou totaled 22 points and five rebounds for the Roadrunners who fall to 3-6 overall and 0-4 in the NJAC.  

Cooper and Myles Owens were hot from downtown in the first half as the duo combined for 24 of the 41 first-half points and knocked down eight three-pointers. Neither side held larger than a six-point lead, as Ramapo made back-to-back baskets in the final minute to hold the 45-41 advantage at halftime.

The second half saw the Roadrunners attempt to pull away with a mini 6-0 run to take their largest lead at 57-50 with 14:57 remaining. Kean responded with a 10-4 run to jump back in front at 60-59 on a Jaedan Sheehan three-pointer.

The Cougars traded buckets but maintained the lead until a Connor Ramano three-pointer with 2:28 remaining put Ramapo in front for the final time at 83-81. Kean closed out the game on an 8-3 run, including a 7-0 run in the final 90 seconds. Lyles finished with five points, including a breakaway dunk at the buzzer.  

Owens finished with 14 points and four assists, while Jailen Jamison tallied seven points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. Mario Gunn and Jared Latane both posted nine points apiece, while Jah'Mir Miller totaled five points and five rebounds.

Head Coach Adam Hutchinson and the Cougars will return to action in Camden, N.J. on Saturday, Dec. 14^th, against the Scarlet Raptors of Rutgers-Camden at 3:00 p.m.