Posted: Mar 03, 2019
Written By: John Sorce
LINCROFT, NJ – Second-seeded Middlesex County College defeated fourth-seeded Union County College in the NJCAA Region XIX Men's Basketball Championship Game, 68-67, at Collins Arena on Sunday.
The two teams were tied at 31 at the half and the game remained close throughout. Union took a 67-65 lead with 24.6 seconds remaining on a jumper by Jared Simmons, but Middlesex tied the game at 67 with 8.6 seconds left on a layup by Deontae Crawford, who hit the ensuing free throw after he was fouled to give Middlesex the lead. Union was unable to get another shot off.
Letrell West, who was named Tournament MVP, led Middlesex with 24 points. Crawford added 14, Alkiem Raines netted 12, and Cameron Saintil had 10 for the Blue Colts.
Tyheem Burno led Union with 24 points. Jordan Rowley added 14 and Simmons had 10 for the Owls.
Middlesex will represent Region XIX in the NJCAA Men's Basketball Division III National Championship, which begins on Thursday, Mar. 14 at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, MN.
Photo Credit: Trish Taylor, Brookdale Athletics
