Story by Eli Ruiz
LOCH SHELDRAKE — March 19, 2013 — The Brookdale Community College Jersey Blues from Lincroft, NJ are the 2013 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National champions after defeating the Eastfield College Harvesters of Mesquite, TX, 61-55 Saturday night at the SUNY Sullivan Paul Gerry Fieldhouse.
It was Brookdale’s first national championship. The Jersey Blues trailed for much of the game, but a thunderous dunk by David Rosado with just over minutes left in the game spearheaded a 17-5 run to close the game.
Brookdale’s staunch defense limited Eastfield to 24-77 shooting, just two for 17 from three-point range.
Joe Nickerson led Brookdale in scoring with 21 points.

TOURNAMENT SUMMARY

First Round
Eastfield (TX) 101, Caldwell 98
MassBay 74, Rock Valley 66
Brookdale 72, Rochester (MN) 70
Herkimer 79, SUNY Sullivan 72

Semifinals
Eastfield 91, MassBay 65
Brookdale 72, Herkimer 69

Championship
Brookdale 61, Eastfield 55

3rd Place
Herkimer 77, MassBay 65

5th Place
Caldwell 83, SUNY Sullivan 74

7th Place
Rock Valley 74, Rochester 65