Off Night Leads to District Exit for Orange Men

Branchburg, NJ – Timing is everything, and unfortunately the Orange men's basketball team played their worst game of the year with a spot in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament on the line. From the start, Orange was missing easy shots and free throws that they always seem to make. Orange was down 21-7 to start the game before anyone knew what was happening. Orange, no matter how poorly they are playing however, always plays with a tenacious, no-quit attitude. Orange clawed their way back to trail by only one at the halftime break. This was going to be a story we have seen before.  Orange had righted the ship and would take care of business in the second half. Orange did come out on fire and went up eight very quickly in the second half. Instead of taking control however, Orange started to turn the ball over, and Morris was right back in the game. A dog fight the rest of the way saw Orange leading by two with a minute and a half to go. Two Orange turnovers on two successive possessions, leading to two County College of Morris layups that essentially ended the game with Morris winning 76-72.

Four players score in double digits. Dan Lans led the way with 18 and 6 rebounds. George Patsalos, who may have come up on the short end of a book error, had 13 and 6 rebounds before fouling out. Tyreke Harewood chipped in with ten points, five rebounds, and 2 blocks while Freshman Jaidyn Rutling had ten with five rebounds. Jared Smalls, playing with a flu-bug, was one of the few offensive standouts. Normally Jared looks to pass and dish. In this game he was 4-6 with eight points.

In any past season, Orange would be finished. This year, however, has seen the NJCAA add four at-large teams to the national tournament field. While doubtful, we are saying Orange still has a shot at a bid. The committee will meet and let the chosen teams know by Monday. If this was Orange's last game, they end the season 24-6 and won the Mid-Hudson Conference Championship.