Bergen Men’s Basketball Stuns No. 2 Regionally Ranked Montgomery in Season Finale, 81–80
Paramus, NJ – The Bergen Community College men's basketball team closed out its 2024–25 season in thrilling fashion, taking down nationally ranked Montgomery County Community College, the No. 2 team in NJCAA Region 19, with a dramatic 81–80 victory on Saturday afternoon.
Facing a 15-point deficit at halftime (36–51), the Bulldogs stormed back with a dominant second-half performance, outscoring Montgomery 45–29 to claim the win on their home court. The victory marks a defining moment in the season and a powerful close to the campaign against one of the top programs in the country.
Bergen was led by a balanced scoring attack, highlighted by Matthew Kelleher, who poured in 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting from three-point range. Evan Meberg added a crucial 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Jordan Lugo filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Off the bench, Kross Ford provided a major spark, going 8-for-8 from the free throw line and finishing with 18 points and 5 rebounds.
As a team, Bergen shot 42.9% from the field, 37.5% from three, and an impressive 75% from the free throw line—numbers that helped them overcome Montgomery's strong interior presence and rebounding advantage.
Montgomery was led by Baasil Saunders with 23 points and Nayeem Johnson, who contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds in a losing effort.
Head Coach's Perspective:
"This was a statement win for our guys," said Head Coach Luke Gomez. "We've faced adversity all season, but to go out like this—against a ranked program and one of the best in the region—speaks volumes about their character, growth, and resilience. I couldn't be prouder."
Box Score Highlights – Bergen Community College
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Matthew Kelleher – 22 PTS (7-12 3PT)
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Evan Meberg – 20 PTS, 9 REB
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Jordan Lugo – 17 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST
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Kross Ford – 18 PTS, 8-8 FT
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Team 3PT Shooting: 12-for-32 (37.5%)
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2nd Half Scoring: Bergen 45 – Montgomery 29
The Bulldogs finish the season on a high note and will look to build on this momentum heading into the 2025–26 campaign.