LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Kahlil Thomas blocked a Kendrick Ray layup with one second to play as Rider held on to defeat Kennesaw State, 81-79, in the Gotham Classic.

In a game that was close throughout, it came down to free throw shooting. Neither team shot well from the line with Rider going 9-of-21 (.429) and Kennesaw State going 3-of-8 (.375). The Owls shot 55 percent from the field (33-of-60) but made just two more field goals than the Broncs (31-of-71). Both teams had 10 3-pointers.

Jimmie Taylor led all scorers with career highs of 26 points and seven steals for Rider (6-3). The Broncs also received 17 points and 10 rebounds from Norville Carey and Thomas ended the game with 17 points and seven rebounds. Stevie Jordan handed out 12 assists

Nick Masterson led Kennesaw State (3-7) with 19 points. Ray had 18, Johannes Nielsen added 16 points and six rebounds, James Scott scored 14 points, and Aubrey Williams posted eight points and 12 rebounds.

The Gotham Classic resumes on Thursday when North Carolina A&T next plays at Pacific. Kennesaw State is next in action on Saturday when it travels to UMass. Rider will play on Sunday, Dec. 17 at NC A&T.