#1 Mighty Oaks Fend Off #7 UCNJ 74-68

Carney's Point, NJ – The #1 ranked Mighty Oaks were able to stay a perfect 17-0 on the season after pulling off a come from behind victory against UCNJ, 74-68. Salem looked rough out of the gates, shooting 12-30 from the field and 1-9 from three in the first half.

After a UCNJ layup to put Union up 38-29, Salem would finally connect on some shots to fight back. The play that changed the game was when Zyaire Gibson blocked a shot that would turn into a Nasseem Wright transition dunk to put the Mighty Oaks up 49-48. After that play, the Mighty Oaks would not lose the lead again on the way to picking up the win.

Salem had five players post double digit scoring nights, with Nasseem Wright leading the way with 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Off the bench, Idris Rines had a big game, with 13 points and four rebounds, including a huge three late in the game to help cement the lead for the Mighty Oaks. Other double-digit scorers included Jarrell Little with 12 points, and 11 points for both Saaid Lee and Zyaire Gibson.

This win was huge for the Mighty Oaks, who stay atop the GSAC standings with an 11-0 confrence record, and they now hold the head to head tiebreaker against Union.

Salem heads on the road for their next game at RCSJ Gloucester on Saturday, December 10th at 2 p.m.

By:Nolan Dowell