Rutherford NJ - Felician University Men's Basketball went up against Dominican University this Afternoon. In a matchup that was competitive right to the end, the Golden Falcons would fall 70-66 against Dominican. Here's what transpired during this evening contest.

First Half - Felician started the first half with strong individual performances, particularly from Jabri Fitzpatrick, who consistently led the scoring effort. Fitzpatrick's early free throws and layups helped keep Felician competitive as they worked to match Dominican's offensive output. He also demonstrated defensive prowess, securing key rebounds and contributing with timely steals. Jhonny Tovar showcased his versatility with impactful plays, including defensive rebounds and a layup to narrow Dominican's lead. His energy on both ends of the floor gave Felician a boost in critical moments. Marcus Pierce and Jonathan Izemef added to the scoring with successful plays in the paint, displaying Felician's ability to find opportunities near the basket. Despite Dominican's pressure, Felician remained aggressive, frequently crashing the boards and creating second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds, notably by players like Izemef and Fitzpatrick. The team also displayed resilience on defense, forcing turnovers and limiting Dominican's scoring during stretches of the game. Felician ended the half with a 5 point lead, using a combination of teamwork, defensive intensity, and individual efforts to continue pushing the lead for the Golden Falcons.

Second Half - Felician fought hard in the second half, driven by standout performances and key defensive moments. Jabri Fitzpatrick continued his scoring dominance, leading the offensive charge with critical points in transition and from the free-throw line. His three-point play late in the game kept Felician within striking distance as they battled Dominican's increasing intensity. Fitzpatrick also played a pivotal role on defense, contributing with rebounds and timely steals to generate fast-break opportunities. Jhonny Tovar emerged as a strong presence in the paint, grabbing offensive rebounds and converting crucial layups to maintain momentum. His defensive effort, including blocks and boards, gave Felician the second chances they needed to stay competitive. Jonathan Izemef also contributed on both ends, securing rebounds and adding points in the paint during key stretches of the game. Despite Dominican's runs, Felician stayed resilient, with Jared White and Marcus Pierce stepping up with rebounds and jump shots to prevent Dominican from pulling away entirely. The team's defensive hustle, including steals and forced turnovers, highlighted their determination to fight until the final whistle. In the closing minutes, Felician executed several key plays to keep the game close, but Dominican's free throws and critical three-point shots ultimately sealed the victory 70-66. The second half showcased Felician's grit and individual standouts, reflecting their determination even in a hard-fought loss.

The Golden Falcons get a few days off but play at home once again this Tuesday night against American International College at 7:00 PM!