Highlights

GLASSBORO, NJ – Hafeez Melvin and Marcellus Ross combined for 43 points to lead second-seeded Rowan over seventh-seeded NJCU, 96-91, in the NJAC Men's Basketball quarterfinals at Esby Gym. The Profs, winners of their last seven games, advance to host a semifinal game against Rutgers-Newark on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
 
Melvin scored 22 points in 27 minutes on 8-for-14 shooting and Ross hit for 21 points as the Profs defeated the Gothic Knights for the third time this season. Andrew Seager added 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Josh Wright scored 14, going 9-for-10 from the foul line. Arian Azemi contributed 12 points for Rowan (22-4).
 
The Profs maintained the lead throughout the second half and had an answer every time NJCU pulled closer. With Rowan holding a 65-55 advantage, NJCU cut it to 72-67 with seven minutes to play. Seager then accounted for four points in a span of a minute, and Melvin added two free throws to increase the Profs' lead to 80-72.
 
NJCU (12-15) came within four again, 80-76, but it was a pair of free throws by Azemi and a layup by Melvin that pushed Rowan's lead to 84-76. Consecutive baskets by NJCU pulled the visitors within 84-80 at 2:23, but Melvin scored on a driving layup and then made a block at the other end as the Profs preserved an 86-80 lead. A three-point play by Seager put Rowan up by nine and Rowan secured the win by converting 9-of-12 from the line in the final minute.
 
Rowan got off to a strong start and at the midway point of the first half, had taken a 19-10 lead. NJCU stayed close and used a 10-3 run to pull within 22-20 with 8:01 remaining. A quick five points from Ross and Wright gave the Profs a 27-20 cushion, and a Melvin layup pushed the lead up to 34-26. A three by Connor Dickerson stretched Rowan's lead to 39-30 but NJCU pulled with 42-38 in the closing minutes of the half while Rowan took a 44-38 lead into intermission.
 
Rutgers-Newark defeated Kean, 89-70, in the quarterfinals to earn the semifinal date with the Profs.