Late Surge Falls Short as Essex Men’s Basketball Drops Heartbreaker to Mercer, 101–97

Newark, NJ — The Essex County College men's basketball team battled until the final buzzer, but a late push wasn't enough as Mercer County Community College escaped with a 101–97 win on December 18th.

From the opening tip, the contest felt like a playoff game. Essex came out aggressive, trading baskets with Mercer throughout the first half. The Wolverines used ball movement and balanced scoring to stay in control early, taking a slim 48–46 lead into halftime after a fast-paced opening 20 minutes.

The second half was just as intense. Mercer heated up offensively, scoring 55 points after the break, while Essex continued to answer behind strong individual performances and steady execution. Despite the visitors' surge, Essex never let the game get out of reach.

Freshman guard Ryan English delivered a standout performance off the bench, pouring in a game-high 29 points on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting. English knocked down five three-pointers and provided a spark every time Essex needed momentum.

The Wolverines also received strong contributions from the starting lineup. Ethan Laquindanum filled the stat sheet with 18 points and 8 assists, consistently creating opportunities for teammates. Jason Martinez added 12 points, while Gavin Wright chipped in 10 points, along with active defense that resulted in multiple steals.

Essex shared the ball well all night, finishing with 26 assists, and shot nearly 49 percent from the field, keeping pressure on Mercer's defense until the final minutes. Defensive hustle led to 12 steals, helping the Wolverines stay competitive despite Mercer's late-game execution.

In the closing moments, Essex trimmed the deficit to just one possession, but Mercer answered with key baskets and free throws to seal the four-point win.

The next game will be played on Dec. 20th at Delaware Tech. Community College at 2pm.