Following Tuesday night's heart-thumping 80-79 win over visiting Salem Community College, you could sense a culture of confidence among members of the suddenly resurgent Roadrunner men's basketball team.
That's what a five-game win streak will do for your ballclub, noted forward Tim Schultice, a former Timber Creek standout. Since prior to the Christmas break, the Runners (7-12 overall, 7-7 conference) have quietly waltzed back into the conversation as a possible Region XIX playoff qualifier and have also risen steadily in the Garden State Athletic Conference standings.
"We have the players and the team to get this done," noted Schultice, who contributed 18 points to the winning effort. "We've learned from our earlier mistakes, and we never give up."
The final outcome proved to be in serious doubt right up until the final buzzer. The Oaks quickly and methodically erased a 60-46 deficit and made a furious rally that fell just shy. A final shot by forward Lamar Woody bounced off the rim with 2 seconds remaining. In the ensuing scramble, Schultice alertly batted the rebound far away from the basket and into the waiting arms of teammate Stan Martin near the scorer's table at half court. The clock expired -- and this win was tucked away -- but barely.
Schultice, who suffered a bloody nose thanks to several elbows thrown his way, led all Roadrunners with 18 points. Forward Stan Martin played heroically through an ankle injury to chip in 15 while guard Nick Sambour (15 points), guard Alex Angeles (16) and forward Jeremy Fleming (12) also scored in twin figures. The Oaks had three players in double figures -- Robert Whittaker (25), Marcus Freeman (24) and Lamar Woody (21).
The game also marked the second contest back for sophomore guard Alex Angeles, who directed the offense quite capably with 16 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Consistent with his outings last season as a freshman, Alex nailed key jump shots and forced crucial turnovers to keep the Runners one small step ahead of the Mighty Oaks.
"Alex was a difference maker tonight and one reason why we're still standing here with a win streak instead of another close loss," said head coach Will Logan. "You can see we have some talented players, but we haven't been able to finish that well -- Alex has helped everyone up their game a notch."
The win was the second this season by the Runners over Salem.
Next up for RCSJ Gloucester will be a tough game vs. powerful Community College of Philadelphia, perhaps Region XIX's top team, in a 7:00 pm start at home.
Game Preview
The Roadrunner men's basketball team will look to win their fifth straight contest Tuesday night when they host Salem Community College in a 6 pm tip off to the Garden State Athletic Conference clash.
Coach Will Logan's team rolled past host Sussex County 91-69 on Saturday as guard Nick Sambour fired in 26 points and Jalen Benson added 16 to lead four players in double figures.
Earlier this season the Runners defeated Salem CC on the road by an 81-64 count. Including a recent forfeit win over Atlantic County CC, the Runners have improved their overall record to 6-12.
See Game Day information below.
GAME DAY INFORMATION
Salem CC at RCSJ-Gloucester
January 14, 2020, 6:00 pm
Hosted by:
Roadrunner Athletics
Deptford, NJ
Coaches:
Will Logan, RCSJ Gloucester
AJ Williams, Salem Community College
Records:
Roadrunners: 6-12 overall, 6-8, Region, 3-5 conference
Oaks: 3-12 overall, 3-11 Region, 2-8 Conference
