BALTIMORE, MD–Senior Trinity Williams scored a game-high 21 points leading three double-figure scorers en route to the Highlanders 83-55 road victory over UMBC Thursday evening in America East Conference action inside the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.
The Highlanders, winners of three straight and who remain perfect in the America East, improved to 2-0 in the league, 5-10 overall while UMBC moved to 7-7 overall, 0-2 in the league.
In addition to Williams' game-high 21 points, reigning America East Player and Rookie of the Week Olivia Kulyk scored 13 points while Alejandra Zuniga and Madilyn Dogs netted 10 points.
Dogs grabbed a game-best nine rebounds followed by Williams (6), Marissa Gingrich (5) and Kulyk (5). Enya Maguire dished out four assists. Dogs and Williams each posted two blocked shots.
NJIT, which was ahead by one at the half, 35-34, exploded for 48 second half points outscoring the Retrievers 48-21 in the second half.
UMBC got out of the gates quickly, taking an early 8-2 lead at the 6:39 mark. NJIT scored 10 straight for a 12-8 advantage behind back-to-back three-pointers by Enya Maguire and Olivia O'Meally. The Retrievers used a 7-0 spurt to regain the lead, 15-12, at the 3:07 mark but a pair of three-pointers by NJIT knotted the game at 18-all. Freshman Piper Engelby put NJIT ahead by one, 21-20, after the first 10 minutes, knocking down a three-pointer.
An even second quarter saw neither team lead by more than four points. after a strong move on the lower block by Trinity Williams to put NJIT ahead by four, 35-31, at the 1:52 mark. UMBC responded on the next possession down the floor, sinking a three-pointer to cut the Highlanders to one, 35-34.
NJIT came out in the third quarter on fire, exploding for 22 third-quarter points and combining for 26 fourth quarter points outscoring the Retrievers 48-21 in the second half.
UMBC's Jaliena Sachez led the Retrievers with 17 points and Jordan Lewis with 12 points and six rebounds.
Next Up
NJIT will return home on Saturday at 1pm, hosting UMass Lowell inside the Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center.
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