MORRISTOWN, NJ --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College men's basketball tipped off the 2025-26 season Saturday with a non-conference road matchup against the Saint Elizabeth University Eagles (1-0), dropping a 72-66 decision inside Saint Joseph Hall.

First-Half Breakdown 

• A scrappy first half saw both teams battle through shooting woes and turnovers, as York and Saint Elizabeth combined for 25 miscues — each converting those mistakes into 10 points. 
• York controlled the tempo early, leading for nearly 17 minutes and building its largest advantage at 20–11 with 9:08 remaining.
• Free-throw struggles, however, slowed the Cardinals' momentum, as York managed just 4-of-13 from the line in the period.
• Saint Elizabeth capitalized, closing the frame on a decisive 21–5 run to take a 32–25 lead into the break.

Second-Half Breakdown 

• Joshua Jackman sparked York's rally early in the second half, converting a three-point play just 2:26 in to trim the deficit to seven (37–30).
• Saint Elizabeth maintained control from there, holding the lead for the final 20:54 and stretching it to double digits before building their largest advantage at 57–42 with 8:07 remaining.
• Refusing to go away, the Cardinals mounted a late surge—outscoring Saint Elizabeth 24–13 over the next several minutes to pull within four (70–66) after a Jackman free throw with just 45 seconds left.
• However, a pair of clutch free throws by Joseph Mazzola with 38 seconds showing on the clock to seal the 72–66 win for Saint Elizabeth.

Leading the Cardinals

• Jackman powered the Cardinals with a strong double-double performance,t allying 18 points (3-of-10 3FG, 5-of-8 FT) and a game-high 14 rebounds. 
• Christopher Smith followed with 12 points (5-of-10 FG) while Jonte Wallace filled the stat sheet with eight points, 11 rebounds (five offensive), three assists, two steals and a block. 
• Gozie Chinegwundoh added eight points and two blocks as Malakai Clark scored seven points to round out the balanced effort.

For Saint Elizabeth

• Tye-Rell Monroe led the way for the Eagles with a game-high 22 points, pacing Saint Elizabeth to the win.
• Josiah King added 14 points, while Mazzola and Johnathan Quiles joined him in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
• Lawrence Reid contributed across the board with eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks to round out the balanced team effort.

Inside the Box Score
The Cardinals shot 39.1 percent (25-of-64) from the field, 23.5 percent (4-of-17) from beyond the arc and 50 percent (14-of-28) from the free-throw line. Saint Elizabeth hit 39.1 percent (25-of-64) from the floor, 39.1 percent (9-of-23) from deep, and 48.1 percent (13-of-27) from the line.  Both teams drew even blocks 5-5) and the boards battle as York scored 13 second-chance points off 14 offensive rebounds.  The Cardinals also outplayed Saint Elizabeth in steals (12-8) and turned 26 Eagle turnovers into 26 points.  Saint Elizabeth held the edge in assists (17-7). 

Up Next 
The Cardinals (0-1) return to the hardwood Wednesday (Nov. 12) in Wayne, New Jersey with a non-conference road bout against the William Paterson University Pioneers (0-0) at 7:30 p.m. 

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