Rutherford NJ - Felician University Men's Basketball hosted this afternoon against D'Youville. In a matchup that the Golden Falcons had to face adversity within, they would come back and pick up the victory 87-83. Here's what happened during the contest that led to this comeback. 

First Half - In the first half, Felician showed flashes of resilience and effort, though they faced some challenges offensively and defensively. Marcus Pierce opened the scoring for Felician with a layup, assisted by Jonathan Izemef. Pierce and Izemef contributed early efforts to keep Felician competitive, with Izemef adding another layup shortly after. Jamling Lama provided a spark off the bench with a three-pointer and a couple of successful free throws, narrowing the deficit at key moments. Jabri Fitzpatrick also played a significant role, both scoring and assisting teammates, including a jumper and layup in the second half of the period. Defensively, Jhonny Tovar showcased his energy with a block and multiple rebounds, while Jared White and Donovan Long added crucial plays on the offensive glass. Tovar also added two electrifying dunks, energizing the team. While Felician trailed going into halftime, contributions from key players like Pierce, Izemef, Fitzpatrick, Lama, and Tovar kept them in the game, setting the stage for a potential second-half comeback.

Second Half - The second half showcased Felician's defensive intensity and offensive determination, with key plays fueling the rally. Jonathan Izemef and Jhonny Tovar anchored the defense, forcing turnovers and limiting D'Youville's second-chance opportunities. On the offensive end, Marcus Pierce was instrumental, scoring crucial points in transition and electrifying the crowd with a fastbreak dunk that brought Felician closer. Tavian Pullock and Jared White also stepped up, with Pullock hitting a pivotal three-pointer to tie the game at 62–62 with just over 11 minutes remaining. Jabri Fitzpatrick's composure at the free-throw line proved invaluable, as he converted critical shots under pressure to keep Felician within reach and later extend their lead. In the game's most decisive moment, Jhonny Tovar drained a clutch three-pointer off an assist from Fitzpatrick, giving Felician an 84–81 advantage in the final minute. Their defense held strong in the closing seconds, forcing a missed three-point attempt from D'Youville and securing the rebound to seal the victory. This comeback win, 87-83, underscored Felician's resilience and teamwork, with significant contributions from both starters and bench players. Their ability to execute in high-pressure moments turned a challenging situation into a dramatic triumph, showcasing their determination and skill.

The Golden Falcons get a few days off but play once again at home against Georgian Court January 4th.