Villanova, Pa. – The NJIT men's basketball team suffered a defeat in its first road game of the season, 91-54, to Villanova on Friday night at Finneran Pavilion.

How it Happened
The Highlanders came out of the gates strong, taking a five-point lead into the first media timeout. Jake Goldberg hit a spinning layup to open the scoring for NJIT, followed by three-pointers from Levi Lawal, Tim Moore Jr. and Tariq Francis. Villanova would come out of the timeout and go on a 9-0 run to take the lead.

NJIT used the three ball to keep things close midway through the first half. With the Wildcats holding a 10-point advantage, 23-13, Francis knocked down his second three-pointer of the half to slice the deficit down to seven. Later in the half after Villanova hit from deep to extend its lead to 13, Lawal knocked down another perimeter jumper to make it a 10-point game again. The Wildcats would prove too much, taking a 16-point lead into halftime and using a strong start to the second half to pull away.

News & Notes

• Moore played his first game with the Highlanders, scoring 12 points and knocking down a pair of threes in 26 minutes.
• Lawal has connected on four 3-pointers so far this season after going 0-for-2 from distance during his freshman season.
• Francis finished the night with 12 points, six assists and four rebounds.
• Cameron Piggee made his collegiate debut, knocking down a three-pointer and playing 16 minutes off the bench.

Up Next
The Highlanders return home on Tuesday night as they welcome Loyola (Md.) to the WEC for a 7 p.m tip-off.