HARTFORD, CT - The NJIT men's basketball team dropped its final game of the 2019 calender year, falling 69-47 to host UConn in front of 10,507 fans at the XL Center.

An 8-0 UConn (9-3) run turned what was a 4-4 contest into a comfortable early lead and the hosts never looked back en route to the 22-point victory in the first-ever meeting between NJIT (3-10) and the Huskies.

"They came out from the start and really pressured our guards," said NJIT Head Coach Brian Kennedy. "We typically run an offense that involves a lot of passing and cutting and their pressure got to us a bit."

NJIT answered the early UConn run and was able to get within four, but never got any closer as the Huskies shot 50.0% (7-of-14) in the first half and led 35-20 after 20 minutes of action.

The Huskies hit four more three-pointers in the second half and extended their lead to as many as 29 before ultimately winning by 22.

Souleymane Diakite recorded his third-straight double-double, scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds, while also blocking a career-high six shots in almost 38 minutes of action.

"You want to take out positives from these games, and Souleymane was definitely a positive," added Kennedy. "He's a talented player that waited his turn last season and the rust is starting to come off."

Zach Cooks also scored 12 to lead the Highlanders.

Christian Vital led all scorers with 23 points for UConn. 

NJIT will now turn its attention to ASUN Conference action as the Highlanders begin league play on Saturday when they host Liberty at 4pm at the WEC.