WILKES BARRE, PA - Brycen Williams posted a 20-point performance but it was not enough to knock off Wilkes as the Rowan men's basketball team fell, 86-77, in the 2025-26 season opener for both teams.

The Profs came out hot, with a Ife Okebiorun layup giving the squad its largest lead of six with 6:59 to go in the first half. Wilkes countered with a run, outscoring Rowan,16-6, throughout the rest of the half to enter the break up 36-32. Taz Cantey led all Rowan first-half scorers with eight points while Chris McCarron added six. 

The Colonels started the second half out strong, going on a 9-0 run to give them a 45-32 lead. Wilkes would build the lead to 19 before the Profs would strike back, responding with a 21-8 run to cut the lead to 68-62 with 4:04 remaining in the game.

Rowan was not able to cut the deficit any closer as the two teams traded baskets before Wilkes pulled out the nine-point victory. A total of 17 of Williams' game-high 20 points came in the second half, while Cantey and McCarron contributed with 12 points each. Michael Pirone rounded out Rowan's double-figure scorers with 10 points

Up next, Rowan will travel to Virginia for a match-up with Mary Washington on November 12 with a 6 p.m. start.