Mahwah, NJ: The Pioneers of William Paterson University defeated the Roadrunners of Ramapo College, 74-71 at the Athletic Center in Mahwah. William Paterson advances to play the #1 seed of the Blue Division, New Jersey City, in a semi-final match-up on Thursday, February 26th at 7:00 PM. Ramapo falls to 20-6 overall while the Pioneers improve to 16-10.

William Paterson came back from a nine point deficit at the half, 28-37, to overcome Ramapo, 74-71 in the opening round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship Tournament. Senior Brandon Constantine (Teaneck, NJ) knocked down a career-high 35 points shooting 10-18 from the floor, 11-14 from the line. Constantine netted a three-pointer with 3:17 left in the game to finish a 9-0 Pioneer run, taking a 66-61 lead over the Roadrunners. The Pioneers remained in control for the final minutes earning their 16th victory of the season, and a semi-final NJAC appearance.

Khayri Battle (Newark, NJ) posted 16 of his own while Rory Caswell (Toms River, NJ) and Rashee Fleming (Camden, NJ) followed with eight and six respectively. Battle led the team with eight total rebounds and Caswell grabbed seven while recording three steals in the game. Dennis Harper and Battle combined for six assists and Tim Benoit (Roselle, NJ) posted two for the team. The Pioneers shot 20-42 (48%) from the floor over the Roadrunners 19-60 (32%).

For Ramapo, senior guard CHARLES RANSOM (Jersey City, NJ) recorded his 2,000th career point tonight finishing with 18, dropping in 11-18 from the line. RANSOM becomes the first player in school history to record 2,000 points. Junior AMIN WRIGHT (Jersey City, NJ) shot 4-9 in the match-up, 10-12 from line, for 18 total points, while grabbed three boards. Senior JARED MILLIGAN (Ringwood, NJ) led the team in rebounds with 15 total and rookie ANTOINE PRYOR (Elizabeth, NJ) dished out two assists while dropping in 11 points.

Ramapo awaits news on a NCAA alternate bid.