Lackawanna men clinch playoff berth

Lackawanna College erases late deficit to defeat Essex County College

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Lackawanna College men's basketball team clinched a playoff berth in the NJCAA Region 19 Division II tournament after coming back from an eight-point deficit in the final nine minutes to defeat Essex County College, 93-87. Xavier Spears led Lackawanna with 18 points, while Jaksa Pejovic added 16 points in the victory.

Why it matters

Clinching a playoff berth is a significant accomplishment for the Lackawanna College men's basketball team, as it allows them to continue their season and compete for a regional championship. The comeback victory also demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

The details

Trailing 71-63 with nine minutes remaining, Lackawanna went on an 18-2 run to take an 81-73 lead with 3:30 left. Essex County College was able to cut the deficit to three points with 40 seconds left, but Lackawanna hit free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

  • Lackawanna trailed Essex County College 71-63 with 9 minutes remaining.
  • Lackawanna went on an 18-2 run to take an 81-73 lead with 3:30 left.
  • Essex County College cut the deficit to 3 points with 40 seconds remaining.

The players

Xavier Spears

Led Lackawanna College with 18 points in the victory.

Jaksa Pejovic

Scored 16 points for Lackawanna College in the win.

Lackawanna College

The men's basketball team clinched a playoff berth in the NJCAA Region 19 Division II tournament with the victory.

Essex County College

The opponent that Lackawanna College defeated to clinch their playoff berth.

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What’s next

Lackawanna College will wait to see their seeding for the Region 19 playoffs, which begin next week. They have two non-region regular-season games remaining: Thursday at home against Monroe University and Saturday at Cecil College in Maryland.

The takeaway

Lackawanna College's come-from-behind victory to clinch a playoff berth demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. This accomplishment is significant for the program and sets them up for a potential postseason run.