(Valhalla, NY) - One week after a terribly slow start led to the end of an incredible nine-game winning streak that lasted 60 days for the Westchester Community College Men's Basketball team, on Thursday night in Viking Gymnasium, Westchester proved that any issues starting games quickly may have been solved. Four Vikings scored in double figures, and an early 15-2 run catalyzed perhaps their best start to a game of the 2019-2020 season as Westchester dominated Rowan College of Burlington County, 98-73 on Thursday night. With the win, Westchester is now 17-5, and the Vikings have won 10 of their last 11 games.

Spurred by a relentless full-court press, and strong defensive play early, 13-5 as freshman Justyn Huger (Harlem, NY/Thurgood Marshall HS) scored six of his 16 points during the 5:18 of play to allow the Vikings to get out of the gate quickly. After RCBC made it a 13-7 game with 15:43 to play in the opening half, Westchester scored 16 of the next 20 points to make it a 29-9 game ... and the rout was on. The Vikings led by as many as 27 points during the first half, ultimately leading 56-34 at halftime, after shooting 47% during the first 20 minutes, forcing 17 RCBC turnovers, and converting nine three-pointers.
 
The second half saw much of the same as the Vikings led by as many as 29 points, and cruised to victory. 11 different Vikings scored points, and four scored in double figures. Huger scored a career-high 16 points, and added five rebounds and six assists, while sophomore Anthony Monti (Bronx, NY/St. Raymond's) scored 16 points of his own - while shooting 7 for 9 - and added seven assists.

Freshman Malik Moore (Tuckahoe, NY/Tuckahoe HS) had an outstanding all-around game with 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while sophomore Joe Zayer (West Nyack, NY/Clarkstown South HS) added 14 points and five assists.

Both teams shot 46% from the floor, and the rebounding game was close with Westchester grabbing 45, compared to 43 RCBC boards, but a 28-18 Viking turnover advantage made an enormous difference.

Westchester Community College returns to NJCAA Region XV play on Tuesday, Feb. 4, when the Vikings host Orange Community College at 7:00 p.m. Orange CC defeated Westchester 60-56 on Nov. 19.