RCSJ's Men's Basketball team simply needed a little time to roll into high gear. Yes, the opening portion of the season opener against visiting Delaware Tech Community College got off to a slow start – but the Roadrunners found their groove thanks to some late heroics by sophomore guard Nick Sambour and freshman Daniel Wellington.
The results was a come-from-behind 84-76 triumph over Division II DTCC, a contest the Runners closed out only in the final 5 minutes of play. DTCC led at the start by a 6-0 and at halftime by 36-31, before opening up an 8-point second half advantage.
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But the RCSJ offense finally rallied late, thanks to Wellington, who finished with 6 points, all late in the second half, and Sambour, a former Williamstown High star who closed out with 15, including 10 in the second half. Wellington connected on a clutch jumper and two free throws in the closing moments while Sambour drained a crucial three-pointer to seasl the win.
Also finishing in double figures for the winners were guards Quantavious Rogers (17), Khayri Ransom (15), and Laddis Taylor (14)
"We were out of the sync at the start, but that happens in an opening game," said veteran head coach Will Logan. "We found our groove and we relied on our depth at the guard position to put this one in the win column."
The opening night win in the Inaugural NJ/DE Tip-Off Classic proved to be a morale booster for a young but talented Roadrunners' squad that features 13 freshmen.
"We started out slow but we picked up our energy," said Wellington. "It was a good team effort. We knew we were the better team, but we need to pick up our energy."
Sambour, starting his third season as a Runner, sees plenty of positive signs throughout his team's roster.
"We have some real talent and this team hopes to make it to Regions," he said. "This was a nice win over a good team. It was important to start the season with a win."
Next up for the Roadrunners (1-0) will be a road game vs. GSAC rival Atlantic Cape at Stockton University on Tuesday, November 9 in a 7 pm start.