MONTCLAIR, NJ – The Montclair State Men's Basketball team (8-4) closed out 2024 on New Year's Eve with a 103-56 victory at home against Emmanuel (Mass.) (1-10).  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Jacob Morales kicked off the contest where he left off in Florida with a three-pointer and sparked a 14-4 opening run for the Red Hawks in the first five minutes.
• The Saints got back within single-digits within the next five minutes of the first half with a 29-20 score at the 5:55 mark in the first half but a Morales layup gave the Red Hawks another double-digit lead. After both teams exchange three balls, a Christian Cevis layup set up an 8-0 run for Montclair to close out the first half with a 44-23 lead.
• Montclair had a slight scoring edge within the first four minutes of the second half at 11-9 to push the lead to 58-32. After a good layup from the Saints, the Red Hawks scored 15 unanswered points in about three minutes to take a commanding 73-32 lead with 13:53 remaining in the contest.
• No team was able to generate a true run for the rest of the contest and it was eventually Montclair who took a 103-56 victory to cap off 2024.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• This was the largest margin of victory for men's basketball (47) since December 29, 2017 when they defeated Manhattanville, 103-46.
• 16 of 18 Red Hawks scored during today's contest, including Morales who led the team with 15 on the day, including 3-for-5 from deep.
• Montclair's defense was a nightmare for Emmanuel to figure out, generating 19 steals in the game including Mike Jackson who collected five. The Red Hawks also took advantage of the turnovers, scoring 45 points off of them.
• Hitting from the free throw line was also a key in the win today. Montclair hit 28-of-35 free throws in the game, including going a perfect 15-of-15 in the first half.
• Saints junior Ismani Cepeda scored a game-high 17 points to go with six rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench. Sophomore Connor Hanavan added nine points thanks to 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc,

UP NEXT

• Montclair State University opens up 2025 with NJAC play when they host New Jersey City on Wednesday, January 8. The tip-off for that contest is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
• Emmanuel starts their conference schedule on Saturday, Jan. 4, against Rivier University at 1:00 pm.

**Release courtesy Montclair State Athletic Communication Department