NEWARK, NJ - The NJIT men's basketball team put together one of its best halves of the season on Saturday, scoring 46 points in the first 20 minutes against visiting FDU, but ultimately fell 71-68 to the Knights at the Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center.
The Highlanders shot 50.0% (17-of-34) in the first half, including an impressive 56.3% (9-for-16) from three-point range to race out to a 48-41 halftime lead. NJIT led by as many as 12 in the opening half, with
Elijah Buchanan's 14 points leading the way.
FDU immediately got back into the game in the second half, using a 10-1 run to take a 51-49 lead with just over 16 minutes on the clock.
From there, the teams went back and forth and neither squad led by more than three points and the lead changed nine times and there were six ties.
The Highlanders went back in front one final time when
Sebastian Robinson got a steal and
Mekhi Gray flushed home a fast break dunk with 32 seconds to go to give the hosts a 68-67 advantage.
FDU answered immediately with a bucket from Jo'el Emmanuel to go back in front 69-68 with 21 seconds left. After an empty NJIT possession, the Knights' Heru Bligen sank a pair of foul shots to put the visitors in front by three with just three seconds to play.
Buchanan got a look from about 30 feet at the buzzer, but it didn't go and FDU prevailed to improve to 6-4 on the season and 2-6 all-time vs. NJIT.
After shooting well in the first half, the Highlanders cooled off and shot just 28.6% (8-for-28) from the field and 15.4% (2-for-13) in the second half.
The Highlanders were led by Buchanan for the second straight game as the graduate student posted a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 boards, while also dishing out a game-high five assists.
Buchanan was joined in double figures by
Adam Hess, who scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range, and Robinson, who added 11.
Kjell de Graaf scored eight points, all in the first half on 3-of-3 shooting (2-of-2 3FG), after missing the last four games with an injury.
NJIT returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to Fordham for more non-conference action. Tip-off is slated for 7pm at Rose Hill Gymnasium in The Bronx.
