There were a few concerns when The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team returned from the break, but it appears it’s resolved to take nothing for granted. Not only are the Lions the defending champion in the New Jersey Athletic Conference with several key players returning, they were this season’s preseason favorite. Since returning to the court, TCNJ (11-3, 4-3 NJAC) has won three straight and done it in convincing fashion. Next up at Packer Hall is Montclair State (9-5, 4-3 NJAC) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Red Hawks come into the game off an impressive win over league-leading Stockton and having beat the Lions five times in a row. TCNJ’s last win over Montclair State was on Dec. 4, 2022, by one point, 88-87, in double overtime. What gives this game some added significance is TCNJ, Montclair and Rowan are tied for fifth in the standings and each game the rest of the way is crucial with only six teams qualifying for the playoffs. Coach Matthew Goldsmith has seen the resolve he was hoping for once the calendar turned. “I am definitely seeing a sense of urgency from our players on a more consistent basis,’’ said Goldsmith. We are getting better but still have plenty to improve on.’’ Nick Koch leads the Lions with 20.9 points and a team high 4.5 assists. He is second in the conference in both categories. Matthew Okorie averages 13.4 and grabs 6.4 rebounds, Jack Vreeswyk averages 11.9, Matt Solomon averages 11.4 and has a team high 8.2 rebounds a game and David Alexandre scores at a 10.8 clip. Alexandre is coming off a career high 24 point performance and a season high eight rebounds against Rutgers-Newark. But, Newark is in the rear-view and now it’s Montclair State. “The key against Montclair State is to bring a defensive intensity and continue what we are doing offensively,’’ said Goldsmith. “We have to take care of the ball and I think we can really hurt them on the glass. The stats to look for are who had more turnovers and who won the rebounding battle. That should tell you a ton about the game.’’