Wolverines Fall Short in Season Opener at Westchester CC

Newark, NJ | The Essex County College Wolverines men's basketball team came up just short in their season opener Wednesday night, falling 98–96 to the Westchester Community College Vikings in a high-scoring contest.

Despite shooting an impressive 65.3% from the field, the Wolverines couldn't overcome Westchester's hot perimeter shooting and clutch late-game execution.

Sophomore guard Ethan Laquindanum led Essex with 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting, while Jaden Reid added 20 points, connecting on 7 of 9 attempts. Sophomore Jason Martinez filled the stat sheet with 12 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, and sophomore Emard Babacap provided a strong presence off the bench, recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Wolverines dominated inside, shooting efficiently while pulling down 26 offensive rebounds (36 total) and dishing out 18 assists as a team. However, 28 personal fouls and 12 turnovers proved costly down the stretch, giving West Chester the extra chances it needed to pull out the win.

Essex County (0–1) will look to bounce back on Saturday, November 8, when they host Chesapeake College at 4:00 p.m. in the Cleo Hill Gymnasium.