Boxscore

Galloway, NJ – Richard Stockton (8-0, 3-0 NJAC), ranked #8 nationally by D3hoops.com, won a tough defensive struggle as they downed visiting William Paterson (5-2, 3-1 NJAC) 53-45 on Saturday afternoon. Armin Cane (Pleasantville/Pleasantville) and Nate Pacius (Neptune/Academy Charter) led the way with 17 and 15 points respectively for the Ospreys. Stockton's defense was excellent as they held the Pioneers to 31.1% (14-45) shooting, including just 3-20 (15.0%) from behind the arc.
 
In a contest that featured five ties and 10 lead changes, neither team was able to forge a lead of more than four points during the first 20 minutes of play. Both teams struggled from the field, with Stockton hitting on just 26.9% (7-26, 0-10 from three-point range) while the Pioneers shot 7-22 (31.8%) with only 1-8 from behind the arc. Pacius scored eight of his markers to keep Stockton close as William Paterson took a 22-21 lead into the locker room.
 
With the game tied at 29-29 early in the second stanza, the Ospreys used a 7-1 run to take the lead at 36-30, with Cane supplying all of the scoring. The Pioneers took a brief 37-36 lead with 8:56 remaining but could not pull away. A 17-8 closing spurt by the Ospreys sealed the game for Stockton at 53-45. Pacius tallied seven of the points while freshman Marcus Harmon (Whitesboro/Middle Twp.) added four markers in the run.
 
In addition to Cane and Pacius, Harmon grabbed a career-high five rebounds to go with eight points and two assists. The Ospreys outrebounded WPU 39-35 with freshman Darius Jerkins (Somers Point/Mainland) and Josh Blamon (Cinnaminson/Cinnaminson) snatching six boards each.
 
For the Pioneers, Sandy Burgos was the only player in double figures with 11 points. Turrell McClendon grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds, five on the offensive glass, and dished three assists. Bright Mensah led all players with three steals.
 
Stockton will begin a five-game road trip, starting on Wednesday night as they will take on Rutgers-Camden. Tip-off is set for 8 pm.