Piscataway, NJ- The Piscataway Chiefs defeated Columbia Cougars 71-52 in a game that was a close match until the fourth quarter on Saturday, February 28th, 2026. The Chiefs were led by Junior guard, Landon Pernell, who tallied 19 points and Senior forward, Isaiah Fowler, who had 17 points.
How it happened
The game started off very slowly in the first quarter that included a dunk by Senior forward, Donald Nwaigwe. This helped the Chiefs lead the Cougars 15-12 at the end of the first.
The slow awakening continued for the Chiefs on Saturday morning as Junior guard, Izayah Brown turned the ball over that led to Columbia tying the game 20-20 in the second quarter.
Piscataway was able to respond with a 5-0 run with key plays by Pernell and Nwaigwe that left 5 minutes to go in the first half. Columbia and Piscataway continued to go back and forth with Columbia taking the lead at one point 31-30 but Piscataway was able to break ahead by the end of the half at 37-32.
The Chiefs struggled to hit their free throws in the first half. This was one of the mistakes Piscataway brushed up on when it came to their rematch games against Sayreville and Colonia, both teams Piscataway had previously lost to in the regular season. Unfortunately it had come back to haunt them. Piscataway Head Coach Bob Turco commented on what they said at halftime:
“We never talk about shooting. I just let them know they’re 0 for [however many attempts they made],” Turco said. “In the offseason is when you fix shots, make adjustments philosophy wise, but as far as shooting goes, it’s all about confidence and when you see one go through, things change.”
The Chiefs and Cougars continued to go back and forth in the third quarter both putting up 10 points each to make the score 47-42 at the end.
But as always, in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs took over. Pernell was able to go 3/3 from the 3 point line in the second half and the Chiefs cruised to an 11 point lead at 55-44. This happened due to the philosophy Coach Turco always preaches, full court press defense.
“We put pressure on teams and they only go 6 [men] deep. Their point guard obviously started losing some steam so other people had to bring the ball up,” Turco said. “We have to wear people out defensively and we should be in good enough shape to finish the job.”
The Chiefs were able to cap off the game strong to win 71-52
Player Performances
Pernell led the team with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 assists. Next was Fowler who had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists. Third was Nwaigwe, who just recently reached 1000 career points, who tallied 12 points and 6 rebounds.
In the first half, Pernell was 1/4 from the three point line going into the half. Piscataway Head coach Bob Turco commented on what was said during halftime:
”I never talk [to] the kids at halftime about their shooting,” Turco said. “[For] whatever reason he was off early. Shooters shoot and because he is a shooter, he got his stroke.”
Pernell was seen being talked to by his dad coming out of the locker room going into the second half. Pernell commented on what that was about:
“He told me he knows me, and [I’m] not like that first half,” Pernell said. “I know sometimes I get in my head when I’m missing because I’m supposed to be the shooter on this team. But, I had that talk with him. He had the confidence in me and all the coaches at halftime told me that they got my back.”
What’s next
Piscataway Chiefs Basketball returns on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 6 pm against the third seeded, No.6 in the state, Plainfield Cardinals in the Anthony gym at Piscataway Highschool.
This is an intense matchup for the Chiefs, as noted by Coach Turco.
“In my 20 years [of coaching,] it’s probably my hardest matchup of any of my teams.The truth of the matter is it’s a challenge,” Turco said. “We didn’t get put into this position, we played our way into this position, so we should have some confidence going in, and we have nothing to lose.”
Pernell, who grew up in Plainfield, played against their star player, Micah Gordon growing up. Pernell commented on this next matchup:
“I played basketball in Plainfield growing up so I know everybody on that team. We all played basketball together so it’s going to be great to get back and play against them again.”
