VIDEO: NJIT Highlights
WEST POINT, NY–Sophomore Alejandra Zuniga netted a game-high 23 points, leading the Highlanders to a 73-57 road victory at Army West Point in the 2023-24 season opener for both teams inside Christl Arena.
NJIT outscored Army West Point in the first quarter, 25-7 and held a 38-15 advantage at the half. The Black Knights produced 26 third quarter points, pulling within 15 of the visitors, 56-41. NJIT edged Army West Point, 17-16, in the fourth quarter with the Black Knights cutting the deficit to six point, 56-50, but the Highlanders pushed its lead back up to double-digits, to secure the road win.
In addition to Zuniga's 23 points, graduate student Kenna Squier netted 16 points followed by Aria Myers and Reese Vaughan each adding nine points. Zuniga, the 2023 America East Rookie of the Year, finished the game shooting 8-for-10 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line. Freshman Madilyn Dogs added seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks in her collegiate debut.
Kya Smith led Army West Point with 18 points while Trinity Hardy added 17 points off the bench.
NJIT scored the first four points of the first quarter and pushed its lead to 8-2 on a layup by Alejandra Zuniga. NJIT scored 15 straight points and used a 21-5 spurt over 8:30 to extend the Highlander lead to 18, 25-7.
Army West Point scored four quick points to open the second quarter, resulting in a quick timeout by head coach Mike Lane. NJIT responded with seven consecutive points, increasing the Highlander lead to 21, 32-11, capped by a fast break layup by Kenna Squier at the 5:30 mark. The visitors finished the final four minutes on a 6-2 spurt, heading into the locker room, leading 38-15.
Zuniga led all scorers with 12 points, shooting 4-for-5 after the first 20 minutes.
Army West Point exploded for 26 third quarter points to cut the Highlander lead to within 15 points, heading into the final quarter.
The Black Knights continued its momentum into the fourth quarter, scoring nine straight points to cut the Highlander lead down to single digits, 56-50. NJIT went on a late fourth quarter run, sparked by a driving layup by Zuniga, pushing the Highlanders lead back up to 10, 62-52, on a layup by Trinity Williams. NJIT went on one final run, using an 8-1 run to extend its lead to 17, 70-57 behind seven points from Zuniga to close out the road win 73-57.
Next Up
The four-game homestand inside the Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center will begin with welcoming first-time opponents Merrimack on November 10 and ACC opponent Notre Dame on Sunday, November 12 followed by Rider on November 15 and Wagner on November 18.
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