Cantey Scores 26 to Lead Rowan Men’s Basketball Over Ramapo, 73-65, on Senior Day

GLASSBORO, NJ – Taz Cantey scored a game-high 26 points and Brycen Williams had 16 as Rowan picked up a 73-65 win over Ramapo on men’s basketball Senior Day at Esby Gym. Cantey, Williams and Chris McCarron were honored prior to the game for Senior Day while the Profs earned their fifth consecutive win and improved to 9-6 in the NJAC, and 9-13 overall.

Cantey made four three-pointers and recorded his third straight game of 20-plus points and seventh of the season. Khalil Baker posted his sixth double-double of the year, and second straight, with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

A 9-0 run in the opening minutes of the second half, with four points from Williams and three from Cantey, propelled the Profs to the win. The spurt gave Rowan a 51-46 edge and the lead for good.

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Mastriano, Sikaris Lead Rowan Women’s Basketball Over Ramapo, 56-42

Jes Mastriano scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Rowan a 56-42 win over Ramapo on women’s basketball Senior Day at Esby Gym. Mastriano and classmates Charlotte Carlies and Jess McLaughlin were honored prior to the game.

The win boosts the Profs to 14-8 (10-5 NJAC) and improves their home record this season to 8-2.

Mastriano was 5-for-6 from the field to tie her season high with 16 points and Christina Sikaris scored 13 as she connected on three three-pointers. Carlies blocked three shots in the win and Haley Selmer grabbed seven rebounds.

The Profs were on target from the start, hitting 56 percent (14-of-25) from the field to run up a 34-22 lead. In the first quarter, Rowan scored 11 in a row, with four from Haley Selmer, to take a quick 17-4 lead, and closed out the period up by 19-8.

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THE MARIE RADER SERIES PRESENTS PHILLY POPS”BLOCKBUSTERS IN THE ‘BURBS” CONCERT

THE NEW PHILLY POPS SOUTH JERSEY DEBUT AT ROWAN UNIVERSITY

CONDUCTED BY MUSIC DIRECTOR CHRIS DRAGON

The Marie Rader Series is proud to present the South Jersey debut of the new Philly Pops at Rowan University. On Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m,. the Pops will present “Blockbusters in the Burbs” at Rowan’s Pfleeger Concert Hall, introducing audiences in South Jersey to the orchestra. For concert tickets and more information, visit go.rowan.edu/phillypops.

Conducted by Music Director Christopher Dragon, the orchestra will perform some of the most beloved movie scores, including features by the orchestra’s Matt Gallagher (The Incredibles), Michael Ludwig (Schindler’s List), and Ron Kerber (Catch Me if You Can). The concert will be offered in a ‘Relaxed Performance’ format to provide a sensory-friendly experience for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Pops Bassist Douglass Mapp also serves as Professor of Jazz Studies within Rowan University’s Department of Music. He will be performing with the orchestra on the 14th, putting the active performance side of his career on direct display for his students who may not have the opportunity to see his Philadelphia performances.

Following the performance, Pops’ musicians will welcome the audience in the lobby. And, as with all Marie Rader Series engagements, the Rowan campus community will enjoy artist-led opportunities beyond the stage, with Music Director Chris Dragon hosting a conducting masterclass for students, as well as an invited dress rehearsal in the hall for students and board members

“We are honored to serve an important role with the Philly Pops,” says Marie Rader Series Artistic Director Debbie Shapiro. “Not only will this celebrate the Pops’ and Chris Dragon’s Rowan debut, but we love to emphasize Philadelphia’s world-class arts organizations, inspire our students, and bring audiences from all over the region together in a very accessible way.”

For Matt Koveal, Executive Director of the Pops, this new collaboration expands the reach of their music to New Jersey. “We’re grateful to Rowan University for inviting us to perform in South Jersey,” he says. “A large part of our mission is to bring our brand of popular music into new communities and connect with the South Jersey community. Being on Rowan University’s campus, surrounded by that energy, is a great way to make this pursuit a reality.”

Australian conductor Christopher Dragon is the newly appointed Music Director of the Philly Pops. Before moving to the United States in 2015, Dragon held the inaugural position of Assistant Conductor with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, where he was mentored by Asher Fisch. Dragon has a versatile portfolio ranging from live-to-picture performances, including Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and a wide variety of collaborations with artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan, Cynthia Erivo, and Joshua Bell. He is known for his charisma and high energy, consistently delivering unforgettable performances.

“The masterclass is an opportunity for students to cultivate a deep love and understanding of the unique elements of conducting a pops’ ensemble.” Dragon says. “I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students and performing at Rowan University.”

About the Philly Pops

Founded in 2023, Liberty Bell Pops, dba the Philly Pops, is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of the pre-2023 Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Gifted the name Philly Pops by the estate of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero, the reborn Philly Pops is led by Music Director Christopher Dragon and features world-class soloists. The Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire, melding tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre. Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, has no affiliation either legally or artistically with Encore Series, Inc., the former management company of the Philly Pops. Learn more at phillypops.org.

About Marie Rader Series at Rowan University:

Because of the Marie Rader Series, arts lovers throughout New Jersey don’t have to travel to New York or Philadelphia. Focused on artistic integrity and inclusion, the series provides public presentations, community outreach, and coaching for students that reflect the innovation and quality consistent with Rowan University’s overall standards of high achievement and transformation.

Concessions will be available for purchase at all performances. Pfleeger Concert Hall is a wheelchair accessible venue. For assistance contact Rowan University’s College of the Arts Box Office via performingarts@rowan.edu or 856-256-4545.

The series is made possible in part through generous support from the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation via the Marie Rader Memorial Fund and through funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Rowan Men’s Basketball Defeats Kean, 92-76, For Fourth Straight Win

Taz Cantey and Brycen WIlliams scored 20 points apiece to pace Rowan to a 92-76 win over Kean in an NJAC men’s basketball contest, to extend the Profs’ winning streak to four games.

Freshman Khamai Orange added 17 points as he made 6-of-7 from the field. Khalil Baker added 13 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the year and Michael Pirone scored 12 points off the bench as he converted 5-of-10 field goal attempts, while Cantey shot 9-of-16 from the field and Williams connected on 4-of-7 three-pointers as Rowan shot 55.6 percent in the game.

After taking a10-point halftime lead, Rowan (8-13; 8-6) expanded on it by outscoring Kean, 13-4, in the first nine minutes of the second half, to go up, 62-48.

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Rowan Baseball Ranked #8 in D3baseball.com Preseason Top 25; Profs Play 7 Ranked Teams in First Month

GLASSBORO, NJ – Coming off a third-place national finish and College World Series appearance in 2025, the Rowan baseball team enters 2026 ranked #8 in the D3baseball.com Division III Top 25.

The #8 Profs will have their work cut out for them by playing one of the nation’s toughest schedules, meeting seven ranked opponents before April 1st. The slate includes games against World Series participants, #2 Endicott (March 20), #7 Messiah (March 24) and #11 Johns Hopkins (March 16).

Rowan opens the year with back-to-back games against Top 25 teams, hosting #13 Cortland on February 28 and #21 Penn State Harrisburg on March 4.

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Baker’s Buzzer Beater Lifts Rowan Men’s Basketball over Rutgers-Camden, 68-66

Khalil Baker put back an offensive rebound as time expired to lift Rowan over Rutgers-Camden, 68-66, to complete the Profs’ come-from-behind win in a key NJAC men’s basketball contest. With the victory, Rowan (5-13; 6-6 NJAC) inches ahead of Rutgers-Camden (10-8; 5-7) in the conference standings.

With the score tied and 19 seconds remaining, Rutgers-Camden missed the front end of a one-and-one and Michael Pirone corralled the rebound for the Profs. Brycen Williams took a long three-point attempt at :02 and Baker grabbed the rebound underneath and put it back as the buzzer sounded for the win.

Williams scored a game-high 21 points and Baker finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds as the only Profs in double figures.

The Profs had trailed by 19 points in the first half and by 40-30 at the start of the second half. They came out strong in the second and made 10 of their first 18 shots to pull within 55-54 with 8:10 remaining. With the score tied, 57-57, at 7:04 Rowan hit five straight free throws to take its first lead since the opening minutes, 64-61.

Rutgers-Camden answered with five consecutive points to regain the lead, 66-64, with 2:57 remaining. Khamai Orange connected on a pair of free throws at 2:39 to the tie the game for the final time, 66-66, and set the stage for Baker’s heroics.

Rowan fell behind by 19 points in the first half, 30-11, at 8:27 as Rutgers-Camden shot 63 percent from the field in the half. But the Profs started their rally by outscoring the Scarlet Raptors, 19-8, over the final eight minutes of the half, hitting 6-of-11 field goals, and cutting the deficit to 38-30 by halftime.

The Profs are home again on Saturday when they host William Paterson in the first game of the doubleheader, at 1 p.m.

Selmer Scores Career-High 20 to Lead Rowan Women’s Basketball Past Rutgers-Camden, 80-73, in 2OT

Haley Selmer had a career-high 20 points, including six straight in the second overtime, to lead Rowan to an 80-73 win over Rutgers-Camden (10-9; 7-5). The victory was the fourth straight for Rowan (12-7; 8-4) and its second consecutive win in overtime.

With the game tied, 67-67, at the start of the second overtime, Selmer connected on three consecutive field goals to give Rowan a 73-67 lead. The Profs limited Rutgers-Camden to just six points the rest of the way while they hit 5-of-6 from the line in the final 15 seconds to seal the victory.

Jes Mastriano tied her career-high with 16 points, Ava Kraybill contributed 14 points and Megan Donelson notched 12 points and 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.

In the final minute of regulation, Abigail Jazmin’s jumper gave Rowan a 59-57 lead with :55 to play. Rutgers-Camden’s Courtney Edmundo tied the game on a layup with less than one second remaining. The Profs had one-tenth of a second and got the ball into Selmer, whose long jumper was off the mark as regulation ended.

Rutgers-Camden held a 67-62 lead with :55 left in the first overtime, but Mastriano made two free throws and Jess McLaughlin connected on a three-pointer with 19.6 seconds left in overtime to extend the game.

The game was tight throughout, with six points being the largest lead by either team.

Rutgers-Camden owned a 13-12 lead after one quarter of play and then led by 29-23 with three minutes left in the second quarter. The Profs outscored the Scarlet Raptors, 11-4, to end the quarter and pull ahead, 34-33, at halftime.

Rowan led 47-45 at the end of the third quarter and held a 53-48 advantage during the fourth quarter.

The Profs are at home again on Saturday to take on league leader William Paterson in the second game of the doubleheader, which will start at approximately 3 p.m.

Cantey and Baker Help Rowan Men’s Basketball Score an 83-59 Win over Rutgers-Newark

Taz Cantey scored a season-high 25 points and Khalil Baker had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead Rowan to a 83-59 win over Rutgers-Newark in NJAC men’s basketball action.

Cantey made 9-of-13 field goals and grabbed eight rebounds to record his second straight 20-plus point game. Baker notched his third double-double of the season while Michael Pirone contributed 11 points off the bench for the Profs.

Rowan (4-12; 4-5) had built up a double-digit lead in the first half and maintained that for the majority of the second. Rutgers-Newark (3-13; 0-9) cut its deficit to 60-51 with 9:38 remaining, but Cantey notched seven points in an 11-0 run to give the Profs a 20-point margin, 71-51 at the 6:18 mark. Rowan closed out the game with eight straight points in the final 2:19 to keep the game out of reach.

The teams traded leads in the first half until Rowan went on a decisive 11-0 run, with four points from Baker and three by Williams, to pull away with a 37-26 lead. The Profs closed out the half by scoring 10 consecutive points and a three-pointer at :29 by Chris McCarron gave the home team a 47-30 advantage.

The Profs benefitted from a 50-percent shooting effort (17-for-34) in the first half.

Rowan hosts #8 Montclair State on Wednesday evening at Esby Gym in the second meeting of the year between the teams. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Mastriano, Donelson Lead Rowan Women’s Basketball to 87-57 Win over Rutgers-Newark

Jes Mastriano scored 14 points and Megan Donelson had a double-double as Rowan defeated Rutgers-Newark, 87-57, in an NJAC women’s basketball matchup this afternoon.

Mastriano shot 5-for-8 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds in 19 minutes of action and was one of five Profs in double figures. Donelson hit 4-of-8 field goal attempts to score 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Natalie Barrera also scored 12 and recorded eight rebounds with Emily Poulas scoring a season-high 11 points.

Rowan (9-7; 5-4 NJAC) was in control from the start. Rutgers-Newark (2-14; 0-9) took its only lead of the game in the opening minutes before Barrera scored four points in a 9-0 run to give Rowan a 12-4 advantage. The Profs closed out the quarter by scoring the final eight points, with four from Poulas, to own a 20-9 lead.

The Scarlet Raiders trimmed their deficit to 28-22 in the final minutes of the quarter but Rowan ended the half with a 15-2 run, including six in a row from Selmer, to enter halftime with a 43-24 lead.

The third quarter was more of the same for the Profs, as they gained a 20-plus margin at the start. Donelson finished off the quarter by scoring five in a row which gave Rowan a 56-30 advantage.

The Profs closed it out in the fourth by hitting 52 percent (13-for-25) from the field with Adriana Santiago and Christina Sikaris draining threes in the final minute.

Rowan will host Montclair State on Wednesday at Esby Gym, with tip-off at 5:30 p.m.

Marie Rader Series Kicks Off 2026 With World-Class Performances

(GLASSBORO, NJ) – Rowan University’s Marie Rader Series ushers in the New Year with three distinct artist engagements, continuing to deliver on the 25|26 Season’s “A World From Home” theme, while remaining committed to providing accessible and affordable arts experiences in South Jersey.

The first three months of the year offer a diverse array of performances designed to bring audiences on an international cultural journey, with an invitation to explore further through pre-performance and post-show artist chats with: Ragamala Dance Company: Sacred Earth and Mnozil Brass: Strau$$, and finishing the season with a crowd-pleasing The Philly Pops: Blockbusters in the ‘Burbs.