Rutherford NJ - Felician University Men's Basketball hosted this evening against Bentley University. In a match that came down to the wire, the Golden Falcons came up just short with a score of 81-80. Here's what transpired during tonight's contest.

First Half - Golden Falcons delivered a competitive first half against Bentley, fueled by strong individual performances and effective teamwork. Jabri Fitzpatrick was the standout performer, leading the team with an impressive 16 points. He opened the game with a pair of jumpers and remained a consistent offensive force, scoring from both inside the paint and beyond the arc. Supporting Fitzpatrick, Marcus Pierce added key points with a fastbreak layup and clutch free throws, while Jared White showcased his shooting ability with two three-pointers late in the half. Abdul Shanunu brought energy off the bench, contributing two three-pointers and making his presence felt on defense with critical blocks. Felician kept pace with Bentley early, tying the game multiple times and even taking a brief 15-14 lead at the 12:55 mark. Although Bentley surged ahead by as much as 11 points, the Golden Falcons showed resilience, rallying late in the half. A combination of jumpers, three-point plays, and effective ball movement, particularly from Fitzpatrick and Jhonny Tovar, helped narrow the deficit to 44-42 at halftime. Felician's ability to secure offensive rebounds created valuable second-chance opportunities, keeping the team within striking distance.

Second Half - Felician showcased a resilient performance in the second half, keeping pace with Bentley through a series of key plays and standout individual efforts. Jabri Fitzpatrick continued to lead the team offensively, scoring crucial points in the paint, while Jhonny Tovar provided an energetic spark with his offensive rebounds and fastbreak opportunities. Tovar's dunk early in the half set the tone, and his consistent hustle created second-chance points for the Golden Falcons. Felician's defensive pressure forced multiple turnovers, including steals by Fitzpatrick and Tovar, leading to fastbreak opportunities. Jared White and Jamling Lama also stepped up with timely three-pointers, while Marcus Pierce and Abdul Shanunu contributed critical baskets to keep the game close. The Golden Falcons traded leads with Bentley throughout the half, with their persistence culminating in a clutch three-pointer by Jared White to take a late lead. Despite trailing in the final minutes, Felician's effort to stay within striking distance was notable. Free throws by Tovar kept the Golden Falcons in contention, and Fitzpatrick's layup with under four minutes remaining maintained the pressure on Bentley. Ultimately, Felician fell just short, but their offensive versatility and defensive intensity demonstrated the team's ability to compete against strong opponents.

Men's Basketball gets a few days off but are back on the court Saturday, December 21st right back at home against D'Youville at 3:00 PM!