KENNESAW, GA - Georgia natives Zach Cooks and San Antonio Brinson combined for 44 points as the NJIT men's basketball team defeated Kennesaw State 76-55 in its regular season finale on Saturday at the Convocation Center.

Cooks scored a game-high 27, while Brinson added 17 to join teammates Reilly Walsh (11 points) and Levar Williams (11 points) in double figures NJIT improved to 9-20 on the season and finished ASUN play with a 6-10 record. Kennesaw State concluded its season with a 1-28 record and was winless in 16 ASUN contests.

The game was tied 7-7 early before the Highlanders scored 11-straight points and never looked back. 

By halftime, NJIT led 41-20 and the margin reached as many as 33 midway through the second half, before the Highlanders ultimately won by 21.

NJIT shot 42.6% (26-for-61) from the field on Saturday and held KSU to 34.5% (20-for-58) shooting. The Highlanders also drained eight three pointers and were successful at the foul line, making 16 of 20 attempts. 

Cooks' 27-point game was his 17th 20-point game this season and the junior captain is now averaging 19.8 for the season, which leads the ASUN by more than two points.

Souleymane Diakite blocked a career-high-tying six shots in the win and just missed recording a double-double, scoring nine points and grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds as NJIT out-rebounded KSU 40-35.

Bryson Lockley led the Owls with 15 points and eight rebounds. 

The Highlanders return to the court on Tuesday when they travel to Liberty for the ASUN Tournament Quarterfinals.