Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (19-7) advanced to the NJAC Tournament semi-finals, with a tough 83-78 victory over Rowan University (12-14) on Saturday night. EJ Matthews-Spratley (Cherry Hill/Cherry Hill East) led the Ospreys with 28 points, the third straight game and fourth in his last five contests he has scored 27 or more points in a game.
 
The Profs took control early in the first half before Stockton knotted the game at 16-16 at the 14:26 mark. The Ospreys took the lead and stretched the margin to 43-32 with 4:26 left in the first period. The home team was able to garner a slim 47-43 advantage at the break as Matthews-Spratley scored 21 points in the half to offset 6-11 (54.5%) shooting by Rowan from the three point line.
 
The second half tightened, with Rowan taking a 56-51 lead with 14:20 left in regulation, before Stockton responded. The teams fought for every bucket, with Tayvon Gaither (Mt. Laurel/Lenape) tying the game with a layup with 9:16 left for the eighth and last time in the contest at 65-65.
 
A 9-2 run, led by Christian Armstrong-Thomas (Marlton/Cherokee) with six markers, gave Stockton a 74-67 margin at the 5:09 mark. Rowan got as close as two points at 74-72 points, but three points each by Gaither, Matthews-Spratley and a key three pointer by Eriq Campbell (West Atco/Lindenwold) gave Stockton enough to stave off the Profs in the 83-78 victory.
 
Campbell added 14 points, with Gaither chipping in with 10 markers. Logan Mckee (Glen Mills, PA/Phelps School) tied for game-high honors with nine rebounds.
 
For Rowan, Brycen Williams led the team with 20 points, with Danny Fleming adding 17 points, nine rebounds and a game-high six blocks. Ife Okebiorun and Taz Cantey scored 15 and 10 points, respectively.
 
Stockton will face number two seed Ramapo College at Mahwah, NJ on Tuesday night in the NJAC Tournament semi-finals. Game time is scheduled for 7 pm.