Boxscore

Wayne, NJ – Stockton University (3-4, 1-4 NJAC) shot just 31 percent in the first half and could not overcome a 15-point deficit in a 61-57 defeat to William Paterson (3-6, 1-4). The Ospreys fought back to tie the game twice late but never could pull ahead.
 
Brandon Hamilton (Camden/Paulsboro) scored a game-high 17 points followed by Zavon Johnson (Trenton/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) with 11 points off the bench as the only Ospreys in double figures.
 
Stockton made just four of its first 16 field goal attempts (25%) and fell behind 26-11 in the first 11:28. Five straight points by Johnson made it 26-16 but the Ospreys never reduced the margin below double figures and trailed 38-25 at the break. Three bench players gave Stockton a lift as Johnson scored eight first-half points followed by Steve Ferebee (Galloway/Absegami) and Blake Rossell (Margate/St. Augustine) with five apiece.
 
Stockton finally warmed up in the second half, shooting 48.1 percent from the floor including 6-13 (46.2%) from three-point range in an attempt to rally. Two straight three-pointers by Hamilton keyed a 12-0 run that got the Ospreys within one at 40-39.
 
Stockton closed the gap to one three more times before finally tying the game 52-52 on a trey by Marcus Harmon (Whitesboro/Middle Twp.) with 5:20 to play. After a William Paterson three-pointer, Johnson answered with one of his own to tie it again at 55 with 2:25 on the clock.
 
Zack Frick put the Pioneers ahead for good, 58-55, with a three-pointer at the 1:18 mark. Later trailing by two, Stockton had a chance to tie in the closing seconds but missed two free throws. A last-second layup by William Paterson made it a 61-57 setback for the Ospreys.
 
Stockton will have a week off before heading to Hood College (MD) for the Rotary of Frederick Holiday Classic on December 17-18. The Ospreys will play Eastern Mennonite (12/17 at 6 p.m.) and Randolph College (12/18 at 1 p.m.).