GLASSBORO, NJ - Brycen Williams scored a game-high 21 points for Rowan but the Profs were defeated by TCNJ, 81-70, in NJAC men's basketball action in their return to Esby Gym. It was Rowan's first home game of the New Year and the first contest on campus since December 10th. 
 
Williams shot 6-for-13 from the field and was 7-for-7 from the foul line with teammate Taz Cantey adding 16 points. Khalil Baker and Michael Pirone scored 10 each for the Profs.
 
Rowan (2-11; 2-4 NJAC), which trailed for all but the opening minute of the game, came within four or five points on numerous occasions in the second half, but TCNJ (9-4; 4-2) had an answer every time. The Profs came within, 65-60, with 5:18 to play, but the Lions scored five straight to extend the lead to 70-60 at 3:48.
 
 C.J. Hayes connected on a three-pointer for Rowan at 2:53 to cut TCNJ's lead to 73-65. The Lions would go on secure the win from the foul line, going 8-for-8 in the final 2:42.
 
Trailing 40-31 at halftime, Rowan came out strong in the the opening minutes of the second half,  shooting 6-for-10 from the field to close the gap to 48-44.
 
TCNJ led for all but a few seconds of the first half and built up a 25-14 lead at the eight-minute mark. The Lions completed a 19-8 run to increase it to their largest margin of the half, 34-19, with under four minutes remaining. Rowan scored five straight to cut the deficit to 40-31 at halftime.
 
Both teams shot 40 percent from the field in the game and TCNJ held the advantage with nine three-pointers made. The Profs were 12-of-16 from the foul line but were slowed by 18 turnovers.
 
Rowan heads on the road on Saturday when it visits Ramapo in a 1 p.m. start.