Despite major injuries hampering the team currently, Roadrunner Men's Basketball Coach Brandon Williams is nonetheless seeing a steady improvement among his players.

The proof was presented Saturday when the Runners slipped by Williamson College of the Trades, 70-63, in the consolation game of the Roadrunner Classic to finish third overall in the tournament.

The win was the Runners' third in their past four games. It also capped off a tourament in which Williams' youthful club turned in a respectable tournament after dropping their opener in a tight battle vs. Ocean County College.

RCSJ kept it all together despite missing star players Anthony Colon and Josh Randall to minor injuries in the tournament.

"It's all coming together and we expect to continue seeing improvement," said Williams. "We hope to be competitive within the conference and region once Big Josh (Randall) and Anthony (Colon) return."

Keyshaun Sanders, who was named to the All-Tournament team, stepped in to score 27 points while teammates Nate Taylor (13 points) and Chris Racobaldo (11) also hit double figures.

The triumph required a comeback, and the Runners were up to the challenge. Williamson Trade rolled out to a pair of 10-point leads, the first at 17-6, before the Runners battled back to take a slim 33-30 halftime lead. The Runners extended the advantage to 14 points in the second half, but held off a late Williamson rally to tuck away the win at 70-63.

"We had a respectable tournament against some good teams," said Williams. "We went 1-1 vs. Ocean and Williamson, and we certainly had a chance to win the Ocean game. Again, we're heading in the right direction."

Next up for the 3-5 Roadrunners is Thaddeus Stevens College on Tuesday, December 5 in a 7 pm tipoff in Deptford, NJ.

Day One Results

The Roadrunner Men's Basketball team fell to Ocean County College, 87-75, in the semifinal round of the Roadrunner Classic Friday, snapping a two-game win streak. The Vikings advance to the championship round Saturday to play Manor College. 

Leading the Runners' scoring attack was forward Chris Racobaldo, who pumped in a game-high 25 points. The two teams battled to a 37=37 halftime tie. but the Vikings took control early in the second half, jumping out to 10-point leads on three different occaions. Racobaldo drained a three-point shot to put RCSJ to within one -point in the final four minutes, but OCC pulled away after that.

In the other semifinal, Manor College rolled past Williamson College of the Trades, 78-45. 

Tournament Preview - ROADRUNNER CLASSIC

The Roadrunner Classic started in 1981 and has been played in most years since. Below is a record of the team champions, runner-up and tournament Most Valuable Player.

Rowan College Men's Basketball Champions