The NJIT Highlanders (3-10, 0-0 GWC) will open Great West Conference play on Wednesday,  when the Highlanders host Texas-Pan American Broncs (8-10, 0-0 GWC) at 5 pm in the Estelle and Zoom Fleisher Athletic Center.

The Highlanders return home after being on the road for three games.  NJIT posted its third win of the season in a thrilling 63-61 victory over Brown on January 6.  Jessica Gerald's layup down the middle of the paint with 2.8 seconds left lifted NJIT to a 63-61 come-from-behind win at the Pizzitola Sports Center.

Gerald is one-of-three players averaging double-figures for NJIT.  The senior guard leads the team averaging 13.7ppg.  Gerald is shooting 72 percent (44-61) from the free throw line.

Sophomore Rayven Johnson is averaging 10.4ppg and leads the team on the glass with 76 rebounds (5.8rpg).  Johnson is also shooting 72 percent (39-54) from the free throw line.

Melanie Griffin, a junior guard, averaged 11.5ppg thru the first eight games, but will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury.

Forward Ivana Seric is the team leader with 38 assists and freshman Kristian Parker has 13 blocks.

Texas-Pan American returns only two players from the 2009-10 roster – sophomore guard Bianca Torre and senior center Maria Ben Erlingsdottir.

Torre, the Great West Conference Newcomer of the Year in 2009-10, leads the Broncs averaging 17.9ppg.  The sophomore guard scored a career-high 34 points in the Broncs' win over Texas State on December 12, 2010.

Junior Ce'Monay Newell is the other Bronc averaging double-figures (16.3ppg) while Erin Lewis is the team leader with 6.8 assists per game.

The game can be heard live on www.njithighlanders.com with Matt Provence calling the action.  Live Stats will also be available on www.njithighlanders.com.