Baltimore, Md. – The NJIT men's basketball team fell on the road on Saturday afternoon to Morgan State, 81-69, at Hill Field House. The Highlanders held a 14-point lead late in the first half, but a strong second half surge from the home side swung momentum in the Bears' favor.

NJIT had a trio of players finish in double figures, led by Tariq Francis who had a team-high 18 points to go with six assists, six rebounds and no turnovers. Sebastian Robinson dropped 17 points on his birthday, while Tim Moore Jr. notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

How it Happened

The Highlanders got off to a great start, using early triples from Francis and Jake Goldberg to hold a four-point lead at the first media break. After Morgan State leveled things up, NJIT used an 8-0 run punctuated by a block, tie up, and dunk on the ensuing possession from Malachi Arrington to go back in front. The Highlanders kept up the pace on both ends of the floor, eventually opening up a 33-19 lead after a Walt Andrews Jr. layup at the 3:13 mark of the first half. The Bears quickly shaved the lead down with an 8-0 run, but the Highlanders were able to settle things and take a 37-30 lead into halftime.

Morgan State made its mark in the second half, using an 18-4 run early in the half to take the lead for good. NJIT stayed within striking distance, as a Robinson three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining cut its deficit down to six, 70-64. However, Morgan State was able to answer every NJIT bucket down the stretch to pull out the 12-point win.

News & Notes

• Robinson picks up his second 20-point scoring output of the season, matching his season-high from the opener against Penn.
• Moore's double-double is the first by a Highlander this season.
• Fracis' six assists match his career-high, marking his fifth career game with six assists
• Arrington connected on his first career field goal.

Up Next

The Highlanders remain in the DMV as they get set to face George Washington on Monday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.