BOX SCORE

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. (January 18, 2012) - Bloomfield senior forward Matt Wafula (Harlem, N.Y.) notched 17 points to pass 1,000 for his career Wednesday night, as the Deacons improved to 14-5 overall and 8-1 in conference play with a 86-61 home victory over CACC North Division rival Caldwell College. 

Looking to avenge their only conference setback - a 73-70 loss to the Cougars on December 3 - the Deacons fell behind in the early going, trailing Caldwell 21-17 with 8:21 remaining in the opening half.  The advantage would be short-lived for the visitors, however, as Bloomfield gained control of the action on the strength of a 13-1 spurt to grab a 30-22 lead.  Caldwell would weather the run and draw even at 34 with just over a minute to play in the period, but a three by sophomore guard Steve Henderson (West Orange, N.J.) gave the home team a 37-34 lead heading into the break.

It would prove to be the closest the visiting Cougars would come to securing a season sweep of their nearby rivals, as Bloomfield put the game out of a reach with an emphatic run to open the final 20 minutes of play.  The Deacons would outscore Caldwell 16-3 over the first six minutes of the half, utilizing a balanced offensive attack to run their winning streak to 11 consecutive games and maintain their spot atop the conference's North Division standings.

Held to just two points in the first half, Wafula netted 15 points in the second frame, surpassing the 1,000 career point plateau on a layup with 3:23 to play and finishing the night with eight rebounds and three steals.  The senior was one of four Bloomfield players in double-figures, with sophomore Mike Williams (Trenton, N.J.) connecting on six of his seven three-point attempts to finish with a game-high 18 points.  Senior point guard Ahmad Harris (Linden, N.J.) notched a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Marvin Williams (Jersey City, N.J.) totaled 12 points to cap the victory.

Bloomfield returns to action Saturday, January 21 when they travel to face CACC South Division rival Philadelphia University.  Tip-off for the contest is scheduled for 4:00 PM.