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NEWARK, NJ - Despite a combined 64 points from the trio of San Antonio Brinson, Zach Cooks and Shyquan Gibbs, the NJIT men's basketball team was defeated by visiting North Alabama 78-74 in ASUN conference action on Thursday at the Wellness and Events Center. 

"We fought hard to the end, but ultimately rebounding and transition miscues got the better of us tonight," said Head Coach Brian Kennedy. "We needed to do a better job in those areas, you have to win your home games."

The Highlanders (7-14, 4-4 ASUN) jumped out to a 13-point lead, but North Alabama (10-11, 5-3 ASUN) quickly erased it as the lead changed hands 13 times in the first half.

By halftime, Cooks had 13 points and Brinson had 10, but the Lions led by three, 38-35, as the teams headed into the locker room. North Alabama benefited from 50% (6-of-12) three-point shooting in the first 20 minutes, while the Highlanders were just 2-of-7 (28.6%) from beyond the arc and 10-of-33 (30.3%) from the field.

Gibbs scored the opening basket of the second half to cut the margin to one, but the Lions responded and eventually led by a game-high eight just over four minutes into the half.

Brinson, Cooks and Gibbs were able to help the Highlanders get back within one several times down the stretch, but the Highlanders were unable to even the score as UNA made the most of their free-throw opportunties down the stretch. The Lions shot 16-of-18 (88.9%) from the foul line in the second half to help preserve the win, which pushed them up to third place in the ASUN standings.

Brinson played all 40 minutes for the first time in his career and finished with a game-high 25 points and team high eight rebounds.

"There is no question that San Antonio is dangerous when he drives to the basket," added Kennedy. "He was strong in the paint tonight and it shows in the box score."

Cooks also played the entire game and scored 21 points. Both players made all eight of their free throws. Gibbs turned his game up a notch in the second half, scoring 15 of his 18 points after halftime. 

The 2018-19 ASUN Freshman of the Year, Jamari Backmon scored 21 points to lead four Lions in double figures. 

The Highlanders continue their season-long three-game homestand on Thursday, February 6, when they welcome North Florida to the WEC at 7pm.