After eight straight losses, the Rowan Profs got their first win of the season on Wednesday night, 67-56, against the Kean Cougars at Esbjornson Gymnasium in Glassboro. Fueled by a dominant defensive effort, crashing the boards, and a late 7-0 run all from Taz Cantey, the Profs finally were able to get a win for the first time since Feb. 5 of this year. 

Senior Taz Cantey took over late in the game and finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. His energy and maturity on the court, plus his own 7-0 run to extend the Profs’ win streak over the Cougars to 18 games.

“I just knew no one could guard me, I was in that flow state,” Cantey said. “I’m proud of myself. I don’t say that a lot, but going 0–8 and finally getting a win … it feels good. We’re better than 0–8, and we’re gonna show it.”

Rowan also out-rebounded the Cougars 49-29 and grabbed 20 more offensive rebounds than Kean. The Profs forced 19 turnovers and had 14 steals. 

Cantey credited the team’s focus in practice as the turning point.

“It started in practice — attention to detail, locking in,” Cantey said. “I feel like I’ve taken more of a leadership role the last couple of weeks, and it’s impacting the team.”

Khalil Baker delivered his best performance as a Prof. 16 points, 14 rebounds, and constantly forcing the issue at the rim. He earned the nickname “Bully Ball Baker” from Rowan fans as he consistently imposed his will on the Kean defense. 

“Back home, they call me Bully,” Baker said. “Coach EB [Eric Brennan] tells me every day, stop dribbling and just go in the paint. They can’t guard me in there. So today I tried it — and it worked.”

Baker also emphasized energy — especially on the boards.

“Coaches preach high energy,” Baker said. “My team needed me to rebound today, and I was on the glass.”

Freshman Khamai Orange made a massive impact in one of his first starts for Rowan. He only had two points, but he showed effort and energy all night and totaled nine rebounds and four steals. He was a disruptor at the top of the zone. 

Head coach Eric Brennan praised his instincts and motor:

“He understands angles, he understands the game,” Brennan said. “Rebounding and steals are effort plays. He has the ability — and he cares enough to go and do it.” 

Brennan was happy to finally get one in the win column this season.

“It feels good,” Brennan said.