UNION, N.J. – The Neumann University men's basketball team opened the 2019-20 season with an 89-75 win at Kean University on Saturday evening.
 
Nasir Cassel led the Knights with 30 points, including five baskets from beyond the arc and 7-for-8 from the line. Haneef Vaughn netted 23 points and went 5-for-6 from the free throw line. Dennis Robinson had 13 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. Waheem Lowman added 12 points.
 
Midway through the first half, the Cougars held a six-point lead, 16-10. The Knights answered with eight points to take the lead. The teams traded baskets and were knotted at 21 with 9:40 left in the first. Neumann went on a 9-0 run capped with a three-pointer by Lowman. Kean chipped its way back to within two points, 35-33, with under three minutes left before halftime. Neumann finished the half on a 9-0 run to take a 44-33 lead into the break.
 
The Knights held the lead throughout the second half. Each team went on runs with Neumann's lead varying from double digits down to just one point, 67-66, with 5:31 left in regulation. Neumann responded to the one-point lead and went on a 14-2 run for an 81-68 lead with two minutes left on the clock. The Knights hit their free throws down the stretch to come away with the 89-75 final.
 
Neumann (1-0) will stay on the road to start this season as it heads to Lancaster Bible on Tuesday evening. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM.