The William Paterson University men’s basketball team concluded its 2025–26 campaign last night in Mahwah, falling 82–59 to Ramapo College at the Bradley Center. While the result was a tough end to a challenging winter, the game showcased the gritty play that has defined the Pioneers’ young roster throughout the season.
The contest began with a burst of energy from the Pioneers. William Paterson came out aggressive, attacking the rim and finding open shooters early. Just five minutes into the first half, a basket put the Pioneers ahead 9–7, suggesting a tightly contested battle was in store for the regular-season finale. The first few minutes of the game gave Pioneer hopefuls something to hold onto.
However, the momentum shifted abruptly. Ramapo responded with a devastating 23–3 run over the middle portion of the first half. The Roadrunners’ defense tightened, forcing the Pioneers into difficult shot selections and transition opportunities for the hosts. By the time the halftime whistle blew, William Paterson found themselves trailing 41–22, a deficit largely built on Ramapo’s ability to dominate the interior.
Despite the large gap on the scoreboard, the Pioneers refused to fold in the second half. Led by senior leadership and some promising play from the underclassmen, William Paterson found a better offensive rhythm. The Pioneers actually played the Roadrunners nearly even in the second stanza, scoring 37 points compared to Ramapo’s 41.
The team leaned heavily on their outside shooting during a mid-half surge, connecting on three consecutive three-pointers to briefly cut into the lead and bring the score to 62–37. While they couldn’t quite bridge the gap enough to threaten the lead, the effort was a testament to the “never quit” culture established in Wayne this year.
Several Pioneers stood out in the season finale, providing a glimpse of the foundation being built for the 2026–27 season.
In his final collegiate game, senior Ethan Paul led the Pioneers with 12 points. The Toms River nativeshoot an efficient 5-of-7 from the floor. Sophomore Delani Hyde continued his strong sophomore campaign with 11 points and two assists, showing his growth as a versatile playmaker. Anghel Gomez, the freshman from the Bronx, provided a spark in the paint, finishing with 8 points and a team-high 7 rebounds, signaling a bright future for the Pioneer frontcourt. And Ty’Shawn Pearson though his scoring was limited, he was a force on the boards, pulling down 9 rebounds to lead all Pioneers.
With the loss, William Paterson finishes the season with an 8–17 overall record (3–15 in the NJAC). While the win-loss column may not reflect it, the season was marked by development. The Pioneers secured notable conference wins against Rutgers-Newark and Kean University, proving they can compete with anyone in the league when firing on all cylinders.
As the team heads into the offseason, the focus will turn toward the development of a young core that saw significant minutes this winter. With the majority of the roster expected to return, the lessons learned at the Bradley Center last night will likely serve as fuel for a climb back up the NJAC standings next year.
