VESTAL, NY - Adam Hess tied his career-high with a game-best 23 points, but host Binghamton outlasted the NJIT men's basketball team 86-67 on Wednesday evening in America East action at the Events Center.

The contest was back-and-forth early before a three-pointer from Hess put the Highlanders ahead 16-10 just over seven minutes into the contest.

NJIT's six-point lead was its largest of the game and was answered by an 11-0 Bearcats' run, which gave the hosts a five-point lead just over half way through the opening half. 

The Highlanders were able to cut the lead to as little as three several times late in the first half, but another Binghamton run gave the Bearcats a 42-33 lead as the teams entered their locker rooms for halftime. 

NJIT cut the deficit to five twice in the first few minutes of the second half, but that was as close as it would get as Binghamton broke the game open with another run and led by as 21 latest in the half before ultimately winning by the 19-point margin. 

Hess' 23 points came on 9-of-16 shooting and the graduate student, who came into the contest leading the America East in three-point field goal percentage at 43.6% raised that number after going 3-for-6 on Wednesday. Hess also scored 23 earlier this season at South Florida. 

Da'mir Faison was the only other Highlander to score in double figures, finishing with 10 points to go along with five rebounds. Eight of Faison's 10 points came after halftime. 

Kevin Osawe also had another efficient game for NJIT, scoring eight points and grabbing six boards. 

The Highlanders turned the ball over a season-low three times on Wednesday, while forcing Binghamton to nine turnovers. 

Miles Gibson scored 21 points to pace five Binghamton scorers in double figures. Jacob Falko added 17 points to go along with nine assists and five rebounds, while Armon Harried narrowly missed a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine boards. 

For the game, Binghamton shot 56.7% from the field and 44.4% from long range, while holding NJIT to 38.5% shooting overall and 17.6% from deep. 

The Highlanders return to action on Saturday when they play the first of two-straight home games at the Wellness and Events Center in Newark. NJIT will take on Vermont on Saturday evening at 7pm, before playing Bryant Wednesday at 7pm.