Box Score

Sophomore sensation Zach Cooks lit up the scoreboard in the CIT First Round, scoring 34 points en route to NJIT's 92-81 win over Quinnipiac, which clinched NJIT's second round bye.

TICKETS: CIT Quarterfinals, NJIT vs. TBD | Thursday, March 28

Cooks finished with a career-high 34 points, which also tied NJIT's single-game points record held by Damon Lynn.

Upon learning of his achievement, the Lawrenceville, Ga., native was excited, but above all else, grateful.

"That's a big accomplishment for me, but all credit to God, my teammates and my coaches," said Cooks. "They helped me get to where I am today and helped me get that career-high."

WATCH: Cooks Ties NJIT Single-Game Scoring Record

Cooks' historic stat line featured 12-20 field goals, including 4-7 three pointers, 6-8 free throws, six rebounds, an assist and a steal in 34 minutes played.

Head coach Brian Kennedy attributed the breakout performance to a talented player who after some much needed rest, used his energy to put on a show.

"Zach is a tremendous player and had a great year," Kennedy said following the victory. "The guys came out, led by Zach with such great energy…at one point he led the country in minutes. Our conference tournament was early so we had a little break and he was able to get some rest and energy back into his legs and body."

The win was also historic on a team level as NJIT earned its 22^nd win of the season, a program record for the Division-I era, which Cooks described as 'big for this program' and attributed to the hard work of his teammates.

As Cooks and the Highlanders seek win No. 23 on Thursday in the CIT Quarterfinals, the sophomore guard emphasized the importance of the team's core philosophy – defense, rebounding and executing on offense.

"Everyone has to contribute," Cooks said "Rebound, defend, assist - just help everyone else out…we'll be game ready and hopefully we can keep on rolling."

Tickets for the CIT Quarterfinals are available for purchase on www.NJITtix.com. Adult general admission tickets start at $15 while tickets for youth under the age of 12-years-old are $5.