NJIT Highlights
Postgame Interview with Head Coach Brian Kennedy
Photo Gallery

NEWARK, NJ - The NJIT men's basketball team struggled to find offensive rhythm on Sunday, falling to Stony Brook 56-44 in the second of two games between the America East foes this weekend at the Wellness and Events Center. 

After scoring 75 points in Saturday's win, NJIT (5-7, 4-6 America East) scored just 13 in the first half on Sunday, and trailed the Seawolves (7-7, 5-3 America East) by eight points at halftime. 

"In the first half, our players were all just looking to score," said Head Coach Brian Kennedy. "Yesterday, they were looking to help their teammates score."

Kjell de Graaf opened up the second half with a three-pointer to cut it to five and a dunk from Mekhi Gray made it a two-point game less than three minutes into the half, but Stony Brook went on a run to go back ahead by seven, 31-24, with 14:44 remaining. 

The Seawolves' lead increased to eight before an 11-2 NJIT run that was capped off by a three-pointer from Miles Coleman gave the Highlanders a 36-35 lead with just under 11 minutes left in the game.

NJIT's lead was short-lived, however, as Stony Brook scored the next 10 points and went ahead 45-36 with 6:31 to play. 

Diego Willis answered the Seawolves' run with a three-point to cut the lead to six, and a San Antonio Brinson layup with 4:07 left made it a five-point game, but that was as close as NJIT would get.

Stony Brook scored the next seven points and coasted to a 12-point victory to end its three-game losing streak. 

The Seawolves were able to get the win despite shooting just 1-of-19 (5.3%) from three-point range on Sunday. NJIT was able to knock down eight triples in 26 attempts (30.8%), with four of those coming from Dylan O'Hearn. 

"We had countless open looks today," added Kennedy. "We were able to hit some to get back in it, but then went cold again."

O'Hearn was the only Highlander to finish in double figures, scoring 12 points to go along with a game-high four assists. Kjell de Graaf and Zach Cooks each grabbed six rebounds to lead NJIT. Souleymane Diakite blocked four shots to set a new season-high.

Juan Felix Rodriguez scored 15 points for Stony Brook to lead all scorers, while Mo Gueye pulled down a game-best 14 boards as the Seawolves out-rebounded the Highlanders 55-33 on Sunday.

"They killed us on the glass," explained Kennedy. "We gave up 20 offensive rebounds, which can't happen."

NJIT will return to the court next weekend against a newly-announced opponent, UMBC.Dates and times for the series against the Retrievers will be announced early this week. The games will take place in Newark.