The men's basketball team lost 71-55 to the Pioneers of William Paterson University on Monday night in Wayne, New Jersey.

The game was tightly contested in the first half with the host Pioneers owning a 28-26 halftime lead, but the game began to take shape at the start the second half as the Pioneers scored 17 of the next 23 points to jump ahead 45-32 with 14:09 left.

The Bearcats did not go quietly and went on a late rally to get as close as five points (54-49) after layup by Andre Harris with 6:08 left.

The Pioneers, who shot 56 percent (14-for-25) in the second half, went on a game-busting 13-1 run over the next five minutes for the non-conference home win.

Bryler Paige led the team with 11 points.

Sean Smith was tops for the hosts from the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) with 18 points (4-8 3fg).