UNION, N.J. (12/8/21) – Patrick Strzala led all scorers with 23 points as the Kean University men's basketball team dropped a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest to New Jersey City University, 79-68 on Wednesday evening.

Denzel Banks finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals for the Gothic Knights who improve to 5-5 overall and 2-2 in the NJAC. Jailen Jamison totaled 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists for the Cougars who fall to 6-3 overall and 1-3 in the NJAC.

After holding an early 7-6 advantage, NJCU shot 58.1% from the floor and used a 20-11 run to push their lead to double digits. That run would help Jersey City hold the lead until halftime at 41-32.  Strzala and Jared Meyer combined for 18 of the Cougars 32 first half points.

Kean opened the second half on a 12-4 run, which cut the NJCU halftime lead down to one point at 45-44 with 11:14 to play. The Cougars hung around and took their first lead of the game, since 7-6, with a triple by Strzala for the 54-53 advantage with 9:02 remaining.

That lead would be short-lived as the Cougars shooting went cold and a 9-2 run down the stretch sealed the game for the Gothic Knights.

Terrence Durham recorded 12 points, while Meyer finished with 10. Nate Lyles finished with six rebounds and five points.

Head Coach David Turco and the Cougars will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 11^th, hosting the Roadrunners of Ramapo College at 1:00 p.m.