Rowan was down by as little as six points in half number two but couldn’t get the game any closer than that. The TCNJ Lions never let up from the opening tip and handed the Profs their 11th loss on the season, 81-70, on Wednesday at Esbjornson Gymnasium in Glassboro.

The Profs were down by as much 15 in the first half and went into the halftime break just down nine. Coming out of the break the Profs shot the ball very efficiently (47%) from the field, but 18 turnovers and a late TCNJ surge, put the game out of reach. 

Brycen Williams led all Profs with 21 points and made all seven of his free throws, while Taz Cantey added 16 points and seven rebounds. Unfortunately for the Profs, both senior guards contributed to nine of the 18 turnovers for Rowan. 

“I’ve got to be smarter in certain situations and steady the pace,” Williams said. “I rushed things in the first half.”

“You can look at the points, but we’re not going to win a lot of games when we turn it over like that,” head coach Eric Brennan said. “We’ve got to value the ball better.”

Khalil Baker chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds and helped Rowan control the rebound advantage 46-39. Michael Pirone also had 10 points off the bench on 3-5 shooting. 

Despite the half-time adjustments Rowan couldn’t get in front of the Lions and couldn’t string stops together late. 

“On the defensive end, I’ve got to be better,” Baker said. “I’m the main big, he’s the main big — and today he got the better of it. That next game is already circled.”

Baker added that accountability remains the standard despite recent setbacks.

“It’s about winning the day,” Baker said. “After a loss or a win, we just keep going.”

Rowan returns to action Saturday, Jan. 10, against the Ramapo Roadrunners in Mahwah, New Jersey.

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