Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (12-4, 7-2 NJAC) built an 11-point lead in the second half and held off Ramapo (12-4, 6-3 NJAC) for a key 74-72 conference victory. With the win, the Ospreys moved into sole possession of first place at the midpoint of the NJAC schedule.
 
EJ Matthews-Spratley (Cherry Hill/CH East) led Stockton with a game-high 31 points, surpassing the 30-point mark for the third time in the last six games. Matthews-Spratley shot 7-14 (50%) from three-point range and also grabbed six rebounds.
 
Eriq Campbell (West Atco/Lindenwold) totaled 14 points and a game-high 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Jahmir Payoute (Irvington/Snyder) and Tayvon Gaither (Mt. Laurel/Lenape) netted 12 points apiece while grabbing six and five boards respectively.
 
Matthews-Spratley sank two three-pointers for half of the points during a 12-0 run that gave Stockton a 58-47 lead with 7:38 remaining. Ramapo rallied to within 67-65 with 2:20 on the clock but Campbell gave the Ospreys some breathing room with a tip-in at the 58-second mark that made it 69-65.
 
After the Roadrunners closed to 70-67 with 18 seconds left, Campbell sank two free throws for a 72-67 lead. Ramapo again made it a one-possession game at 72-70, but a steal and layup by Campbell in the closing seconds gave the Ospreys a 74-70 cushion. An inconsequential last-second basket by the visitors set the final at 74-72.
 
Overall, the game featured 12 ties and eight lead changes. Matthews-Spratley poured in 18 points during a first half in which the margin was never greater than five until a late dunk by Gaither gave Stockton a 39-33 lead at the break.
 
In the second half, Stockton took the lead for good with 11:48 left on the first of Matthews-Spratley's two three-pointers during the decisive 12-0 spurt, and the Ospreys stayed in front the rest of the way for the two-point triumph.
 
Peter Gorman paced Ramapo with 19 points followed by Jordan Myers with 14 points, eight rebounds and a game-high six assists.
 
Stockton will play its next two games on the road starting with a matchup at Kean on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.