Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (1-0) opened the 2018-19 season in fine fashion, with a tough 72-67 win over York College of Pennsylvania (3-1) in the Stockton Tip-Off Classic Saturday afternoon. Jordan Taylor (East Orange/Cicely Tyson) scored a career-high 21 points to lead the Ospreys.
 
Stockton led after a tightly contested first half 37-35. Both teams fought for every point with the largest lead no larger than five points, which Stockton held three times during the first 20 minutes of play. Taylor and Steve Ferebee (Galloway/Absegami) led the home team with nine points each during the first frame.
 
The Ospreys thought they had taken the lead for good at 63-57 with 4:53 to play in regulation, but the Spartans made one last run. An 8-1 spurt over three minutes gave the visitors a 65-64 margin with 1:53 to play. Stockton battled back getting to the foul line to re-take the lead at 70-67.
 
York had a three-pointer to tie with seven seconds left, but the attempt was off line. Taylor sealed the game hitting a pair of fouls shots to gain the 72-67 win. Stockton shot 8-10 down the stretch to gain the win.
 
In addition to Taylor, Ferebee added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Tariq Baker (Brooklyn, NY/St. Anthony's) tallied a career-high 11 points.
 
Jason Bady scored 20 points and pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds for the Spartans as the only player in double figures. Teammate Jared Wagner led all players with eight assists.
 
Stockton will face Farmingdale State, a 73-62 winner over Neumann, tomorrow for the Stockton Tip-Off Championship. Game time is scheduled for 3 pm.