Passaic Today

Montclair State University's men's and women's basketball teams have secured spots in the NCAA Tournament after winning the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championships last weekend. The men's team claimed their first NJAC Championship since the 2002-2003 season with a 91-85 overtime victory against Ramapo College. Junior forward Jacob Morales scored 28 points, while senior guard Mike Jackson added 25 points.

The men's team will host the initial two rounds of the 64-team, single-elimination tournament starting Friday, March 7. They are set to face Utica University in the first round at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, the women's basketball team won their eighth NJAC Championship overall and seventh under head coach Karin Harvey by defeating The College of New Jersey 72-63. Senior forward Olivia Vero led with 24 points, and junior guard Shannon Hughes contributed 13 points.

The women’s team will travel to The Catholic University of America for their opening round on March 7. They will compete against Christopher Newport University at 4 p.m.

Associate Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Rob Chesney expressed his pride in both programs: “I could not be more proud of our basketball programs for once again earning berths in the NCAA Tournament,” he stated. “This weekend was truly special, and I can’t wait to see how far they can take their postseason runs as they move into the Tournaments this weekend.”