VIDEO: NJIT Highlights

Bethlehem, PA - The NJIT men's basketball team picked up its first win of the 2021-22 season on Saturday, using a strong three-point shooting effort and stingy defense to defeat host Lehigh 73-56 at Stabler Arena. 

The Highlanders evened their record at 1-1 on the season, while Lehigh is still looking for its first win after two games. 

NJIT made 5-of-7 three-point shots in the first half on Saturday en route to a 36-23 halftime lead. Dylan O'Hearn was 3-for-4 beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes, while Miles Coleman was 2-of-3.

The shooting success continued in the second half as NJIT finished the contest shooting 60.0% (9-of-15) from long range. Not only did the Highlanders shoot the ball well from long range, but they also made it tough on Lehigh as the Mountain Hawks shot just 5-of-24 (20.8%) from deep.

 "I thought our perimeter defense was great this evening," said Head Coach Brian Kennedy. "Marques Wilson is a great player for Lehigh, he had 21 points at Rutgers on Wednesday, and I thought Dylan (O'Hearn) really made things difficult for him, especially early."

Three-straight three-pointers from Antwuan Butler, O'Hearn, and James Lee helped spur an 11-1 run that put the Highlanders ahead by a comfortable 21-point margin mid-way through the second half. 

In addition to their strong three-point shooting efforts, the Highlanders also made the most of their trips to the foul line, draining 20-of-24 (83.3%) foul shots. O'Hearn was 9-for-10 from the charity stripe, while Lee made all six of his free throw attempts. 

O'Hearn led all scorers with 23 points as Lee, playing in just his second-career game as a Highlander, scored 17 on 5-for-6 shooting and grabbed six rebounds.

"James was terrific," added Kennedy. "I know he can be a great player and I challenged him at the first media timeout tonight. He had a steal and dunk in the first half got him going and his confidence took off from there.". 

Coleman finished the contest with 15 points to go along with a game-high seven rebounds. Butler also put together an efficient stat line on Saturday, scoring seven points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out four assists in 18 minutes of action. 

Freshmen Keeshawn Mason (three points) and Eyal Nankin (two points) both found their way into the scoring column for the first time in their young careers. 

The Highlanders return to action on Tuesday when they travel down the turnpike to take on Rutgers. Tip-off is set for 7pm at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway.