News Release

WAYNE, NJ — Senior guard Kyle Burke scored 19 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 4:26 remaining, as No. 15 The College of New Jersey overcame a 10-point deficit to record a 64-61 win over New Jersey Athletic Conference rival William Paterson on Wednesday at the William Paterson Rec Center.

The Pioneers (8-3, 2-3 NJAC) had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but a 3-point attempt by freshman Joey Spiegel bounced off the back of the rim to end a thriller that featured 13 lead changes and two ties in the second half alone.

Burke finished 8-for-11 from the field, including 6-for-9 from long range, to lead TCNJ. Junior forward Scott Findlay dropped in 19 points (13-for-20 at the foul line) to go with six rebounds and five assists. Senior forward Derick Grant (Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery) added 10 points and five boards for the Lions.

Senior guard Robert Sullivan paced the Pioneers with 17 points and five assists, while Spiegel added nine and junior forward Miguel Rodriguez had eight points and nine rebounds.

TCNJ trailed, 33-23, early in the second half before Burke took over. He scored 16 of the Lions' next 21 points, including a 3-pointer that gave his team its first lead, 46-45, with 12:19 left.

The Pioneers pulled within 60-58 and had a chance to go ahead after a Lions' turnover with 1:02 left, but could not convert. Two free throws by Findlay and a lay-up off a steal by Grant enabled TCNJ to hold off a late charge.

William Paterson returns to action Saturday, Jan. 8, when it hosts Rowan at 3 p.m. TCNJ will host Ramapo the same day at 1 p.m.