(Trenton, NJ) - Freshman Joe Zayer (West Nyack, NY/Clarkstown South HS) scored a career-high 21 points, including several clutch free-throws late in the game as the Westchester Community College Men's Basketball team edged host Mercer County College, 74-73 on Saturday afternoon during the opening game of the Mercer Mixer. With the win, the Vikings improve to 5-0 for the 2018-19 season. 

A 32-32 halftime tie led to a wild home stretch as Mercer appeared poised for the upset win when the hosts held a five-point lead with two minutes to play in the game. However, Zayer and sophomore Miles Haughton (Mamaroneck, NY/Mamaroneck HS) came up with huge steals down the stretch to allow the Vikings several fast break opportunities to take the lead for good.

Haughton finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Monte Lambert (Brooklyn, NY/James Madison HS) added 13 points despite playing limited minutes due to foul trouble. Also for WCC, freshman Fabian Johnson (New York, NY/Our Savior Lutheran) chipped in eight points and seven rebounds.

Overall, Westchester shot 53% from the floor, while out-rebounding Mercer 34-32.

Westchester closes play at the Mercer Mixer on Sunday, Nov. 18 when the Vikings face Suffolk Community College at 12:00 p.m.