Video: NJIT Highlights | Post-game Interviews | Interview w/ Asst. Coach Danny Manuel
NEWARK, NJ - Kjell de Graaf got the offense going early and
Kevin Osawe took over early in the second half to help lead the NJIT men's basketball team to a 65-50 victory over visiting Maine on Saturday afternoon at the Wellness and Events Center.
Osawe and de Graaf scored 14 and 13 points respectively, while each grabbing eight boards, to pace five Highlanders in double figures as NJIT clinched the season sweep of the Black Bears. It took overtime for the Highlanders to defeat Maine back in early January, but NJIT left no doubt in this one as it led by as many as 27 midway through the second half.
The 50 points allowed marks the best defensive performance for the Highlanders this season. Maine had just 40 points with four minutes to play, but scored 10 over the final few minutes to get to the 50-point plateau.
NJIT went ahead early, 11-6, thanks in part to six quick points from de Graaf, but the lead was short-lived as the Black Bears answered with a 10-0 run to take a five point lead of their own midway through the first half.
From there, it was all Highlanders as NJIT scored the next seven points to go in front and after a layup from Osawe broke an 18-18 tie with 5:02 left in the half, NJIT remained in front for the final 25 minutes of the game.
The Highlanders led 29-21 at the half and broke the game open with a 15-0 run early in the second half where Osawe was able to get going offensively. The graduate student scored eight points early in the second half to help put the game out of reach.
Osawe finished the game 7-of-10 from the field, while de Graaf made all four of his field goals and was 5-of-7 from the foul line. The duo shared game-highs in rebounds with eight as NJIT dominated the battle on the boards, 39-24.
Da'mir Faison also provided energy on the glass, grabbing six rebounds, while also drawing two charges.
Osawe and de Graaf were joined in double figures by
Paul McMillan IV, who scored 11 points off the bench, and
Raheim Sullivan and
Adam Hess, who each finished with 10. Saturday's win marked the second time this season NJIT has finished a game with five players in double figures.
Hess' 10 points came on a pair of second half three-pointers and two steals that resulted in easy baskets on the other end. The graduate student, who entered the game leading the America East in three-point percentage, was 2-for-4 from deep and also added his first dunk of the season on one of the aforementioned fast break buckets.
The Highlanders will look to build off Saturday's win on Wednesday when they travel to Binghamton for another America East Conference contest. Tip-off is slated for 7pm at the Events Center in Vestal, NY.
