Box Score
GLASSBORO, NJ – Forward Matt Byrnes broke the school’s all-time scoring mark en route to leading Rowan University in an 86-67 win over Penn State Brandywine in the championship of the Heritage’s Dairy Stores Classic.
Byrnes’ (sr. May Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) layup at 9:31 in the second half moved him ahead of Terrence Stewart’s who held the University’s all-time scoring mark of 1,628 points (1992-96). Byrnes finished with a game-high 28 points to give him 1,635 for his career. He made 11 of 16 field goals, one of five three-pointers and five of six free throws. Byrnes was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Rowan (6-1) guard Kevin Darby (jr. Atco, NJ/Hammonton) posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Aaron Spellman (jr. Pine Hill, NJ/St. Joseph’s (Hammonton)) had career-highs with 13 points and six rebounds, while guard Dan Reddan (jr. Brick, NJ/Brick Twp.) contributed with 10 points. Forward Dwayne Reevey (sr. Fair Haven, NJ/Rumson-Fair Haven) pulled down seven rebounds. Darby and Reevey were named to the All-Tournament team.
For Penn State Brandywine (5-2), guard Mike Thornton recorded a team-high 19 points. He also had five rebounds and was selected to the All-Tournament team. Forward Sean Sweeney chipped in with 14 points and seven boards.
There were 12 lead changes over the first 9:04 until Rowan took the lead for good on two free throws by guard Michael Farrow (fr. Whitesboro, NJ/Middle Twp.). The Profs led by five points (26-21) with 5:12 remaining in the half. Rowan outscored Penn State Brandywine 10-1 over the next 3:03 for a 14 point advantage (36-22). Byrnes scored six points, while Darby had four. Lions forward Jamil Nelson connected on a jumper with 36 seconds left to make the score 36-27 at the intermission.
Byrnes totaled 14 points in the first half. Spellman added seven while Darby had six points and seven rebounds. For Penn State Brandywine, Sweeney scored 10 points and ripped down six boards. Forward Thomas Ostien contributed with seven points.
In the second period, Sweeney’s layup at 17:40 cut the deficit to three (38-35). Rowan led by four points (48-44) at 14:25. The Profs went on a 16-0 run to go up 64-44 with 8:14 remaining. In the stretch, Byrnes scored eight points, Reddan totaled four, Spellman nailed a three-pointer and Reevey connected on a foul shot. Rowan had its biggest lead of 22 points at 7:24 (68-46) and 5:57 (69-47).
Earlier in the consolation game, Widener University defeated Valley Forge Christian College, 92-82. Also on the All-Tournament team were Widener guard Charles Jones and Valley Forge Christian guard Kevin Wilson.
Rowan travels to Gwynedd-Mercy College for a nonconference game on Monday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
