NEWARK, NJ - Miles Coleman scored 23 points and narrowly missed a double-double with eight rebounds as the NJIT men's basketball team suffered a 58-53 setback to American in its home opener on Saturday afternoon at the Wellness and Events Center.

American jumped out to a 7-1 lead and led by as many as nine in the first half, but NJIT was able to remain in the game at halftime thanks to Coleman, who scored 14 of the Highlanders' 19 first-half points as NJIT went into the locker room trailing by five, 24-19.

The Highlanders' offense woke up in the second half and NJIT was able to tie the game, 43-43, on a free throw from Mekhi Gray with just under seven minutes to play.

After two free throws from Coleman made the score 46-45 with 5:05 on the clock, American answered with five-straight points to take a comfortable lead as the game headed into the final two minutes.

The Eagles were able to convert their free throws down the stretch and held on for the six-point victory. NJIT struggled with its chances from the charity stripe, leaving 12 points on the table as it finished the game 13-of-25 (52.0%).

In addition to Coleman, Kevin Osawe and Da'mir Faison both played well in the losing effort. Osawe finished with eight points and game-high nine rebounds, while Faison also scored eight points. 

Coleman played the full 40 minutes on Saturday, six days after playing 39+ minutes at San Diego.

The Highlanders will return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Fairfield, CT, to take on Sacred Heart. Tip-off is scheduled for 1pm.