Box Score

GLASSBORO, NJ – Forward Tyson Hartnett scored a career-high 37 points to lead Rowan University to an 82-74 victory over Valley Forge Christian College in the championship of the Heritage’s Dairy Stores Classic on Saturday.

Rowan improves to 5-6, while Valley Forge Christian has a 10-4 record. Earlier in the consolation game, Berkeley College defeated Penn State Brandywine, 55-44. In the first round on Friday, Rowan had a 99-45 win over Berkeley and Valley Forge Christian beat Penn State Brandywine, 71-66.

Hartnett (jr. Medford, NJ/Shawnee) was 17 for 24 from the field and two for two from the foul line. He also pulled down five rebounds. Hartnett was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Forward Kevin Darby (sr. Atco, NJ/Hammonton) and guard Billy Care (sr. Linfield, NJ/Mainland Reg.) added 13 points apiece. Guard Aaron Spellman (sr. Pine Hill, NJ/St. Joseph’s (Hammonton)) dished a career best 11 assists. Forward Tim Cook (jr. Willingboro, NJ/Glassboro) contributed with six points and six rebounds. Darby and Cook were chosen to the All-Tournament Team.

For the Patriots, guard Justyn Mitchell recorded 20 points. Guard Nate Stoner compiled 18 points and eight boards. They both earned All-Tournament Team honors. Guard Gary Lynch came off the bench with nine points. Guard Keith Watkins accumulated eight assists.

Valley Forge Christian led 5-4 at 17:05 in the first period. The Profs scored the next 10 points for a 14-5 advantage at 13:10. Hartnett had eight of the 10 points. Stoner’s jumper at 10:59 cut the deficit to three (18-15). Rowan increased the lead to 11 points (28-17) following a layup by Cook at 7:32. With 2:06 remaining, Watkins nailed a three-pointer to bring the Patriots within five (33-28). Rowan outscored Valley Forge Christian 6-1 to close out the half. Hartnett recorded four points. The Profs were up 39-29 at the intermission. Hartnett posted 21 points in the first, while Stoner had 11 for the Patriots.

In the second stanza, Rowan increased its lead to 13 (42-29) after a three-pointer by Spellman at 19:24. Valley Forge Christian guard Quentin Harris made a layup at 12:23 to make the score 54-49. The Profs had the next 10 points to go ahead 64-49 with 9:58 left to play. Care led the surge with four points. Rowan stretched its advantage to 17 points at 3:06 (77-60) and 2:23 (79-62). The closest the Patriots came was eight points (82-74) after a three by Mitchell.