EXPERIENCED HARCUM DEFEATS STATESMEN IN WOLVERINE CLASSIC FINAL

NEWARK, NJ (Nov. 7, 2015) — An experienced Harcum (PA) College team, which competed in the NJCAA Division I National Championships last season, broke free from a 40-40 tie early in the second half, to defeat the Richard Bland College men's basketball team, 89-68, in the championship game of the Essex County College Wolverine Classic on Saturday afternoon. 

The Statesmen were able to overcome an early 16-2 deficit, trailing by just four points, 40-36, at halftime. At the 18:52 mark of the second half, Richard Bland knotted the contest at 40-40, but was unable to garner a lead. From that point, the Bears pressured the Statesmen into miscues, which enabled them to gradually pull away for the victory. 

The loss leaves Richard Bland 3-1 on the season, while Harcum improves to 3-0. The Statesmen next travel to Niceville, Florida, where they will compete in the Northwest Florida State College Tournament, meeting the host Raiders on Friday, Nov. 13 at 8:30 p.m. It will be a highly anticipated meeting between the defending NJCAA Division II champion Statesmen against the defending NJCAA Division I champion Raiders, believed to one of the few times in NJCAA history such an occurrence has taken place. Harcum College will next visit Baltimore City on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. 

Richard Bland was led by sophomore forward Troy Gibson (Newport News, VA/Heritage), who had 25 points, 18 coming in the first half. Freshman guard Myles Markland (Chesterfield, VA/Matoaca) chipped in with 10 points.