The Roadrunner Men's Basketball team saw a lengthy win streak come to an end when they dropped a heart-breaking 63-61 decision to host Mercer County Community College on Dec. 13 -- but they are already anxious to get back to work.

The No. 8 nationally ranked D III Runners suffered through a tough shooting night as they saw their 9-game win string snapped by the D II Vikings.

Three players did score in double figures -- John Randall (16), Darnell Demby (13) and Khayri Ransom (11) , while Quamtavious Rogers added 7 assists -- but the Vikings' defense kept up the pressure at the right moments to come away winners.

"We just could not put the ball in the hoop," said Coach Rich Casey. "Mercer played well and executed their plays. We did not match their energy."

Leading scorers for Mercer were Izaiah Johnson with 19, Jake Manuel with 16 and Deon Sanders with 15 while teammate Jason Mark pulled down 11 rebounds. The Vikings led 34-25 at halftime, and they were able to snuff out a furious Roadrunner rally in the second half to hang on for the win. 

The Runners' record now stands at 9-2 overall, having won 9 straight games following an opening night loss to Delaware Tech.

Next up is a home game vs. Salem Community College tonight (Dec. 15) in a 7 pm start. That game will be followed by a key GSAC battle at Passaic County CC Saturday in a 2 pm tipoff before the team heads into the Christmas break.