Posted: Jan 27, 2026
Essex County College: Finding a Way to Finish
County College of Morris
73
Essex County College
75
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
County College of Morris | 29 | 44 | 73 |
|
Essex County College | 33 | 42 | 75 |
Newark, NJ- January 24th at Essex County College was a reminder that close games are decided in the smallest moments. Against County College of Morris, Essex battled for forty minutes, absorbing pressure, answering runs, and staying connected when the game tightened late. In the end, execution at the line and timely shot-making made the difference as Essex edged out a 75–73 win.
The foundation of the victory was balance and toughness. Gabriel Morales led the way offensively, finishing with 19 points on 5-of-11 shooting, knocking down 8 of 10 free throws and staying aggressive throughout the night. When the game demanded composure, he delivered. Ryan English provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring 16 points, including 3 three-pointers, and giving Essex a much-needed lift when momentum started to swing.
In the frontcourt, effort ruled the paint. Rodney Willis Jr. posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, controlling the glass on both ends and converting 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Alongside him, Francis Demfack Tatanfack filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, doing the dirty work that doesn't always show up in highlights but wins games.
Essex also got timely contributions from multiple angles. Carl Matala knocked down 2 three-pointers on his way to 10 points, stretching the floor at critical moments. Jason Martinez didn't score much, but his presence was felt at the line, converting 3 free throws and staying engaged defensively. Off the bench, Blake Flores-Duncan impacted the game beyond scoring, pulling down 8 rebounds, handing out 4 assists, and adding 2 steals, while Christian Hampton chipped in 5 points and solid minutes in the rotation.
As a team, Essex shot 43.5% from the field, 38.9% from three, and a decisive 28-of-36 from the free-throw line, which ultimately separated them in a two-point game. The rebounding edge (40 total rebounds) and the ability to withstand pressure late allowed Essex to close when it mattered most.
It wasn't perfect, and it wasn't easy—but it was resilient. Games like this test poise, discipline, and trust. On this night, Essex County College showed all three, finding a way to finish and walking away with a hard-earned win.
The next game will played away Jan. 29th at Bucks County Community College at 7pm.