Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (6-5, 4-2 NJAC) fought from behind in the second half but could not overcome Eastern University (7-2) by a 77-73 score on Saturday afternoon. Tayvon Gaither (Mt. Laurel/Lenape) topped a trio of Ospreys in double figures with a game-high 24 points. Before the game, the Ospreys honored the late Bob Hutchings who was an assistant at Stockton for 26 seasons.
 
The teams battled through the first half, before the Eagles were able to put some distance between the squads. With the score tied at 16-16 at the 11:43 mark, the visitors methodically stretched out the margin to 35-28 at the break. Stockton committed 10 turnovers that allowed Eastern to gain the advantage.
 
The Ospreys came on strong in the second frame, slowly gaining momentum. The Eagles pushed the margin to 47-37 with 15:41 to play in regulation, as the Ospreys began to cut into the lead. Five markers each by Gaither and Martin Anguelov (Cape May/Wildwood Catholic) spurred an 16-4 run to give Stockton the lead at 53-51 with 9:32 left in the second half.
 
Stockton kept up the pressure holding a 69-67 lead with 3:12 left, but Eastern pulled away scoring the 10 of the final 14 points in the game for the 77-73 victory.
 
In addition to Gaither, DJ Campbell (Vineland/Vineland) added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, with three assists and three steals. Anguelov tallied 15 points, with Jalen Collins (Blackwood/Triton) tying Campbell with 10 boards and a game-high four blocked shots.
 
Eastern was led by Zubair Lee and Kaeshawn Ward with 18 points each. Jaron Fairweather chipped in with 13 markers. Lee topped the Eagles with eight rebounds and a pair of blocks.
 
Stockton will be off until next week when the Ospreys will travel to Reading, PA to play in the Albright Double Tree Holiday Tournament. Stockton will face Cortland on Friday December 29, then will face either Albright or Neumann the next day in the consolation/championship round.