Box Score
GAME HIGHLIGHTS (VIDEO)

THE RAFF REPORT: POSTGAME ANALYSIS


NEWARK, NJ -- Senior Diandre Wilson scored a game-high 20 points to lead NJIT past Brown University, 63-60, at the Wellness and Events Center (WEC) on Sunday. In fact, the Fort Lauderdale native made the Highlanders' final four goals, including the game-winner on a drive through the lane with 26 seconds remaining.

With the win NJIT has started a season 3-0 for the first time in 13 seasons as a Division-I program and for the first time since a 4-0 start in 1996-97 -- the program's final campaign competing at the Division-III level (D-II from 1998-05). Brown falls to 0-2 despite being tied within the final 30 seconds in each of its first two road games this season.

"We've played three game in five days, and I think it showed a little bit in the second half. We got a little worn down," said third-year head coach Brian Kennedy. "Hats off to the guys. They hung in there and found a way to win. That's what it's all about: is fighting through adversity and finding a way to win. We're very excited with the win."
 
Even after Wilson dropped what proved to be the game-winning bucket, the Highlanders required some additional assistance. That came in the form a gigantic defensive play from sophomore San Antonio Brinson, who rejected a layup attempt by senior Obi Okolie with 11 seconds remaining to all but seal the win.

After a free-throw by Shawndale Jones stretched the lead to three, the Bears had a final chance to tie the game -- but a desperation three-point shot by Okolie was off the mark at the buzzer.

Wilson had previously tied the game, 60-60, with a short jumper to complete a drive with 1:10 to go.
 
The transfer from Mott Community College (MI), who posted a game-high 21 points in the win Friday at Binghamton, finished 7-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. In three games this season, he has led the team in scoring twice while laying claim for two game-winning baskets. He also put the Highlanders ahead for good on a four-point play with 1:32 left in overtime in the season-opener against Colgate on Nov 6.

Not bad for a guy questionable to start the year on time after undergoing knee surgery in the preseason.

"Diandre is one of those kids who just has a knack for scoring. He just finds ways to score," Kennedy said. "Sometimes, as a coach, it drives you a little crazy because his game is a little unorthodox. But I stick with him because I believe in him, I love him; and because he comes through."

Senior Mohamed Bendary scored 10 points to become the only other NJIT player to reach double-figures. Brinson and sophomore Zach Cooks led the Highlanders with six rebounds apiece., while junior Shyquan Gibbs recorded a game-high four steals and shared game-high honors with three assists.

Sophomore Tamenang Choh netted 17 points and was the only Brown player to score in double-digits. Junor Joshua Howard grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.

For the second game in a row, the Highlanders' defensive effort proved to be a key factor in the victory. After holding Binghamton to 31.6-percent shooting in the 74-57 win on Friday, NJIT held Brown to 28.0-percent (7-for-25) shooting in the first half and just 37.5-percent (21-for-56) for the game.
 
How significant was that? The Bears scored 81 points in their opener on Friday and were the Ivy League's highest-scoring team a season ago in averaging 77.0 points per game. Further, Brown was just one of four teams in the nation to return its five starters and top-five leading scorers.

One player was unanimous Ivy League Rookie of the Year, Desmond Cambridge -- who tied for third in the Ivy in scoring last season at 17.3 ppg. NJIT held the talented sophomore to nine points on 2-for-10 shooting. Another was junior Brandon Anderson, who tied Cambridge for third in the Ivy at 17.3 ppg. The Highlanders stifled him to the tune of seven points on 3-for-11 shooting.

The Highlanders led for a majority of the contest, reaching an apex at 41-30 after a layup by Bendary with 17:21 to go in the game. But the Bears would steadily eat away at the NJIT lead.

Okolie threw down a dunk with 6:16 remaining that pulled Brown to within a point – the closest it had pulled since the 6:13 mark of the first half.
 
Thirty-six seconds later, Okolie hit a three-pointer that gave Brown a 54-52 lead.
 
From there on out, the game featured three ties and four lead changes before ultimately being decided on the Wilson layup.
 
No Highlanders player other than Wilson hit a field goal after a Cooks layup with 8:11 remaining. Wilson recorded 10 of NJIT's final 11 points – and 10 straight until Jones' free-throw with eight seconds remaining.
 
NJIT finished shooting 50.0-percent (25-for-50) for the game and held a slight rebounding edge at 35-34. However, Brown won the turnover battle, 17-14, which led to a 23-6 advantage on points off turnovers.
 
The Highlanders continue to display their depth, dominating the bench scoring, 37-14. For the season, NJIT holds a 97-46 scoring advantage from reserves.
 
NJIT played its third game without ASUN preseason All-Conference selection Abdul Lewis. The team also lost senior co-captain Reilly Walsh to an ankle injury at the 17:24 mark of the first half. He did not return.
 
The Highlanders will look to make it 4-0 when they host Kean University (Division-III) at the WEC. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

Last season, the Highlanders defeated Kean, 116-63 on Nov. 22, 2017, in Newark. It marked the first meeting between programs since both competed at the DIvision-III level and since a 120-100 Kean home win on Jan. 15, 1990.

NJIT leads the all-time series, 28-24 -- which includes meetings when Kean was known as Newark Normal, Newark Teachers and Newark State. 

Full season ticket packages, mini plans and group outings are available for purchase now at www.NJITTix.com. For more information, please call our ticket office via phone at 973-596-5555 or email at tickets@njit.edu.