Brookdale Men Advance To Region XIX Semifinals With Atlantic Cape Win

Lincroft, NJ - In front of a hearty and energized crowd, the Brookdale men's basketball team (22-4) were victorious over the Atlantic Cape Community College Buccaneers, 87-81, advancing to the semifinals of the Region 19 Tournament. The Jersey Blues will face the #1 seed, Montgomery County Community College Mustangs, in the next round.

The Blues had a slight lead in the first half until about 10 minutes in when freshman guard, Coby Sylvester, dropped a significant three-pointer to push Brookdale up, 15-13, as the Blues didn't relinquish from there on in. Brookdale finished the half with a sizable 45-37 lead which continued into the second half as they were up as much as 14 points. The Mustangs made the game real interesting with their scrappy and relentless defense, forcing Brookdale turnovers, then producing on their end to pull the score within a dicey three. Freshman guard, Kevin Mateo, stepped up with a couple of three's to put Brookdale up by eight, charging them for the win down the line.

Mateo was the leading scorer with 28 points, and freshman forward, Devin Strickland, produced 15 points. Coby Sylvester had a huge first half and finished with 14 points, while freshman guard, Andre Wells collected 11 points and six assists, and Sophomore forward, Allen Ozojie, was instrumental in the win with his 12 rebounds. 

For the next round of the Region XIX Tournament, Brookdale (#4) heads to (#1) Montgomery County Community College, PA, on Thursday, February 24th, for a 7:00pm tip-off. 

Photo above courtesy of Tom Smith