LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Bears men's basketball team saw freshmen,
Starrell Hearns record his sixth-straight game in double-figures as he helped lead a comeback charge Saturday against Georgian Court University (GCU) for a, 72-58 victory on the road. The afternoon Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) showdown improved Bloomfield to 12-6 overall and 4-3 in league play. The Lions dropped to 0-6 in conference matches and 2-15 overall after the setback at The Wellness Center Arena.
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
· Hearns' team-high, 17 points (6-12 FG, 3-8 3PT, 2-2 FT) off the bench went along with 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and a block
·
Izaiah Poole came off the bench to shoot 50.0 percent from the field (4-8 FG) to tally 12 points
·
Edward Ngene had a career-day on the glass, snagging 16 rebounds and added 8 points to go with 5 blocked shots and a steal
·
Al Fatir Connor chipped in 10 points (3-8 FG, 1-3 3PT, 3-4 FT), 4 boards, 3 assists and a block
KEY MOMENTS
· Bloomfield opened up a 7-4 lead within the first five minutes of play but the teams traded baskets from that point and eventually ended up tied at 21-21 with 6:40 to go in the 1
sthalf. The Lions took control from that point and led by as-much-as eight (36-28) before two Poole freethrows sent the CACC teams to halftime with a 36-30 score.
· GCU flexed to a 10-point advantage out of the break (42-32) before the Bears clawed out a 16-0 spurt that changed the tide of the game. The Lions answered back and with under three minutes left to play, the teams were deadlocked at 55-55.
· Bloomfield closed the door across the next 1:30 and reeled off a 10-0 on the road that had the home team searching for a response. GCU would find a three-pointer to stop the run but the Bears claimed the league win with a emphatic Hearns' dunk to end the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
· Bloomfield enjoyed a, 16-10 advantage in points off turnovers and a 31-20 edge in bench points thanks to Hearns and Poole.
· The Lions held a slight, 12-9 lead in fast break points and a 30-28 edge in points in the paint.
· The teams were tied with 44 rebounds each but Ngene, the top shot-blocker in the nation gave the visitors a, 7-0 advantage in blocked shots.
WHAT'S NEXT
· Bloomfield will return to the road for their next contest on Tuesday, Jan 23 (7:30 p.m.) when they face Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference opponent, Caldwell University.
· Bloomfield returns to The Den the following Saturday Jan 27 when they host Wilmington University at 3:00 p.m. and play their Coaches Vs. Cancer game.
If you missed the excitement of today's match-up or you'd like to see it again, you can click this link to watch it ON DEMAND.
Join the #BearsNation and stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, from the Bloomfield College of Montclair State University athletic department by liking the Bears on
Facebook and following us on Twitter or Instagram @Montclair_BCBears. Use the hashtag #BearsNation to join the conversation.
