By DEANA LAUDICINA
With only a few seconds left of the tie game at the NJAC game, Ramapo College Roadrunner Thomas Bonacumas shot the ball at half court for a buzzer beater game and the championship.
Friday, Feb. 24, was when Ramapo’s rowdy Roadrunners got to watch Ramapo win the title of NJAC champions against New Jersey City University. The last time Ramapo won the NJAC was back in 2013. This win gave Ramapo an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
“This has to be one of the greatest games I have attended, the school spirit was amazing and I am glad of the Men’s team, they really deserved this win,” said Rachel Selmore, senior athlete for the Women’s Volleyball.
This game gave both teams a nailbiter right until the end due to the score being so close and no one knowing who was going to be the champion.
With just a minute left of the game, the game was tied 62-62 when each team’s fan cheered on each of their teams. Harris from NJCU made a free throw to have them up by one. This then brought Ramapo fans to get rowdy and show they were still there to support their team.
Just with 21 seconds left Nick Staneck, from RCNJ received two free throws and gave Ramapo a 64-63 lead. As seconds ran down to three seconds left, Woscu from NJCU received two foul shots to take the lead. As Woscu missed, and Ramapo went wild. Woscu shot his second free throw and tied the game with just only 3 seconds left in the game.
“I was mad at first when they tied it up, but I then thought we have three seconds to get up the court and shoot a decent shot,” teammate Josh Ford.
“My mind was telling me we were going into overtime,” said Bonacum.
Ramapo got the ball back with just three seconds left, and the crowd became anxious to what will happen next. Bonacum passed the ball down the court to Ford for the assist as Ford passed the ball back to Bonacum.
“When I realized I was that open I knew I had the best chance at making a shot. I called Josh’s name, he threw a good pass, I caught it and let if fly. Happy it dropped through,” said Bonacum
Bonacum at half court with just one second left goes up for a 3-pointer at half court and makes the winning shot to end the game 67-64.
As the winning shot went into the basket the crowd and team went crazy and ran onto the court to celebrate.
[Audio: Listen to Emily Guzman, a Senior of Ramapo College talk about the atmosphere of the game]
“It was the best feeling ever seeing the school and the fans celebrating and so happy, I will never forget that feeling,” said Bonacum.
Bonacum finished the game with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and named NJAC Player of the Year.
Ramapo’s win gave them an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, which they will be hosting March 3, 7:30 p.m., in the Bradley Center. Make sure you go out and support the Roadrunners. Tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis, $5.00 for students and $10.00 for non-students.
It was interesting hearing about how close the game was, and that Bonacum was named the NJAC player of the year. Would have been interesting to hear the coaches response to the win.