Cleveland, Ohio – Despite a tremendous all-around performance from Tariq Francis, the NJIT men's basketball team dropped a close battle with Cleveland State, 56-53, in the opening game of the Cleveland State Thanksgiving Throwback on Tuesday night.

Francis finished with a season-high 24 points, which led all scorers, along with six rebounds and five assists. The Highlanders held a five-point lead late, 51-46, but an 11-2 run from the Vikings to close out the game gave the hosts the victory.

How it Happened
In a game highlighted by multiple swings of momentum, Cleveland State opened up an early advantage through the first few minutes. An early three from Levi Lawal helped NJIT back within five, but the Vikings responded with consecutive jumpers to push the lead to nine. NJIT would slowly chip away, eventually tying things up at 21-21 after a transition layup from Jordan Rogers. The Vikings would close the half by scoring six of the next eight points to hold a 27-23 lead at halftime.

A 7-0 Highlander run punctuated the start of the second half. Tim Moore Jr. finished at the rim after a perfectly executed play to open the half, followed by a three from Francis which gave NJIT its first lead, 28-27. Francis would cap the run at the 17:51 mark with a layup coming out of a timeout. The Vikings would reclaim the lead, but NJIT would later snatch it back on a three from Walt Andrews Jr. at the 13:47 mark, 34-33.

After a run from the Vikings helped them retake the lead, NJIT used an 8-0 burst to surge back ahead. Francis nailed a deep three, one of his three 3-pointers on the night, followed by buckets from Rogers and Moore to jump in front, 42-41. The Highlanders' lead would grow to as large as six, as Francis fought through contact to nail a tough floater in the paint with 4:47 to play.

Cleveland State would chip away down the stretch, going in front on a layup with 19 seconds left. Triston Wennersten's three at the other end would not fall, forcing NJIT to foul with three seconds remaining. After Cleveland State hit both free throws, Francis got a good look to tie the game from 30 feet, but his shot banked too strong, giving the Vikings the victory.

News & Notes

• Francis' 24 points are his most since scoring 26 in the win over UMass-Lowell last season on Feb. 10, 2024.
• This is Francis' third 20-point outing this season, and his six rebounds ties a career-high.
• Malachi Arrington made his first career start, scoring two points in 12 minutes of action.
• Despite the defeat, the Highlanders did not allow Cleveland State to make a three-pointer on the night (0-for-13)
• NJIT was tremendous at the charity stripe, shooting 93 percent (14-for-15) as a team at the line.

Up Next
NJIT heads back to Woodling Gymnasium tomorrow afternoon to face off with Morehead State. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. on ESPN+.