Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (6-9, 4-4 NJAC) mounted a furious rally in the second half but came up on the short end of a 66-61 decision to Rutgers-Newark (9-6, 2-6 NJAC) on Wednesday night. Brandon Hamilton (Camden/Paulsboro) led the Ospreys with 20 points and six rebounds on the night.
 
The Scarlet Raiders jumped out to an early lead in the first half and were able to hold off the Ospreys for most of the frame. Stockton closed to three at 21-18 on six points by Hamilton and a free throw by Jordan Taylor (East Orange/Cicely Tyson) to help Stockton to a 7-2 run. The visitors were able to stave off any more rallies, finishing the half leading 28-22.
 
The Ospreys came out on a 13-5 run to begin the second half, with the key shot being a three-pointer by Tariq Baker (Brooklyn, NY/St. Anthony's) to give the home team their first lead of the night, 35-33 at the 16:15 mark. The squads traded baskets with no margin being greater than four points over the next eight minutes of play.
 
Keenan Williams Jr. (Paulsboro/Paulsboro) gave Stockton their last lead of the night at 50-49 with 8:03 to play before the Raiders took the advantage for good. A 10-2 run gave Rutgers Newark a comfortable lead at 59-52 lead with 2:11 to play.
 
Kyle Philo (Vineland/Arthur P. Schalick) later hit a shot from behind the arc to slice the margin to 64-61 with 14 seconds on the clock, but two foul shots by the Raiders set the final score at 66-61.
 
Hamilton also pilfered two steals, with Kyion Flanders (Wildwood/Wildwood) adding 10 points as the only Ospreys to hit double figures. Baker led all players with three steals.
 
Tyler Ofray topped all players with 26 points for Rutgers Newark. Chase Barneys scored 20 points and pulled down a game-high seven rebounds. Teammate Mark Thomas rounded out the top scorers for the visitors with 12 markers.
 
Stockton will play their next two games on the road, starting with Montclair State on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 1 pm.