UNION, N.J. (1/14/23) – Griffin Barker totaled a double-double with 27 points and 16 rebounds as the Kean University men's basketball team dropped a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest to Montclair State University, 86-81 on Saturday afternoon.

Mike Jackson scored 26 points for the Red Hawks who improve to 13-3 overall and 7-2 in the NJAC. Letrell West tallied 22 points for the Cougars who fall to 13-3 overall and 6-3 in the NJAC.

Despite a close result, Kean never led in the contest.

Barker and West combined for 18 points during a back and forth first half. The Red Hawks knocked down seven triples and shot 36.8% in the opening half which proved to be the difference in the 38-32 deficit at halftime.

Barker and West combined for 37 points in a second half that saw both sides post higher shooting percentages. The Cougars shot 45.5% from the floor, compared to a lights out 60.0% for MSU. Kean and Montclair traded runs and the Cougars even cut an 11-point lead down to three with 12 seconds remaining. That wouldn't be enough as MSU iced the game from the free throw line.

Jailen Jamison totaled 10 points, while Heem Burno notched nine points, three rebounds and three steals.

Head Coach David Turco and the Cougars will return to action in Wayne, N.J. on Wednesday, Jan. 18^th, against the Pioneers of William Paterson University at 8:00 p.m.