Branchburg, NJ-The Raritan Valley Men's Basketball team defeated Lackawanna College 75-65, on Saturday to win the program's first ever Region XIX DII championship. SO Dan Dextraze was named Region final Most Valuable Player, leading all scorers with 28 points. Twenty of those points came in a decisive second half that saw the Lions take control of the game that had been a one point game at the half.

FR Eli White scored 15 points, including two momentum shifting, fast-break dunks to help secuere the victory. SO Eddie Davis, the Region XIX DII Player of the Year was the third RV player in double figures, adding 13 points.

Raritan Valley rebounded from a slow start with tight half court defense and good offensive shot selection. The critical moment occured as time expired in the first half. After RV was setting up for the last shot of the first. Lackawanna's Joe Chapman created a turnover leading to fast break opportunity for the Falcons. Raritan Valley hustled back on defense, FR Damon Strand got a blocked shot on the defensive end before hustling back down the court and hitting a 3 pointer as the first half clock expired. This gave the Lions their first lead of the game.

This Saturday, March 4th, Raritan Valley travels to Sullivan County College and Loch Sheldrake, NY for a 2:00 game against SUNY Orange County in the East District tournament. The winner of this Saturday's game will earn a spot in the NJCAA DII National Champship tournament.