(Pomona, NJ) – Richard Stockton (19-6) defeated Ramapo (16-11), 60-59 in an NJAC tournament semifinal game tonight. Jerome Hubbard (Neptune/ Neptune) sank two free throws with 22 seconds remaining to lift Stockton into a one-point lead and Ospreys survived three missed shots by Ramapo in the final seven seconds. Hubbard scored a team-high 20 points and Omar Smith (Newark/Central) added nine points for Stockton.

The win means the Ospreys will host William Paterson, which topped Montclair State 71-61 tonight, in the NJAC title game on Saturday at 2 pm. Ramapo was the defending NJAC champion and had reached three consecutive NJAC finals. The Ospreys are making their first appearance in the NJAC championship game since 2005.

Omar Alston (Carteret/Carteret) led all scorers with 22 points and Tim Wesley (Jersey City/ Lincoln) added 11 points for the Roadrunners. Ramapo held a whopping 42-20 advantage in rebounds, yet Stockton prevailed despite shooting just 14-27 (51.9%) at the free throw line.

The Ospreys trailed 59-55 after Alston scored with 1:34 remaining in the game, but cut the lead to just one point after a long three-pointer by Hubbard, making the score 59-58. On the ensuing possession, Hubbard drew a charging foul and Stockton regained possession. Omar Smith (Newark/Central) grabbed an offensive rebound to set up a drive to the hoop by Hubbard who was fouled with 22 seconds left in the game. Hubbard connected on both free-throws to give Stockton a 60-59 advantage with 14 seconds to play.

On the next Ramapo possession, Andre Kenny (Jersey City/Dickinson) missed a jumper but Wesley got the offensive rebound and missed the follow-up. The ball was knocked out of bounds, giving Ramapo possession with 1.8 seconds on the clock, but a desperation three-pointer by Wesley was off the mark and Stockton prevailed 60-59.

Stockton will play at home versus William Paterson in the NJAC championship game on Saturday, March 1 at 2 pm.