Box Score
MONTCLAIR, NJ– Montclair State University rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit and eventually defeated the York College men's basketball team 84-77 in overtime in the championship game of the Montclair State Tip-Off Tournament Saturday afternoon.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Cardinals, who never trailed during regulation. Montclair's first lead of the game didn't come until 2:03 remaining in overtime.
Montclair slowly clawed back into the game in the second half and trailed 67-62 with 2:29 to play. The Red Hawks then converted a three-point play to close to within two points. After a defensive stop, Montclair tied the game up on a lay-up by Daniel McRae with 1:18 to play. York would have three more possessions before the end of regulation but could not convert the winning basket. Nicholas Hamilton-Lopez missed a three-pointer as time expired which would have won the game for York.
In overtime, the Cardinals quickly took a three point lead when Hamilton-Lopez connected from long range to give York a 70-67 cushion. However, after each team exchanged three-pointers on their next possessions, the Red Hawks would go on a 8-0 run to take a 81-73 lead with just 29 seconds to play. The run would seal the deal for Montclair State and give them the tournament championship.
Hamilton-Lopez led all scorers with 28 points and connected on six three-pointers for York. Marcel Esonwune set a career-high in rebounds, grabbing 26, while also scoring 19 points. Esonwune now has three double-doubles in three games this season. Both players were named to the All-Tournament Team for their efforts. Ryan Exum added 17 points for York who fell to 1-2 on the season.
Paul Siljee and Rodney Freeney each had 19 points to lead the Red Hawks who improved to 2-0 on the season.
York will host Ramapo on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.
