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Bolden, Awad, Scherler group shot

Highlanders Take on Fairfield in 2025-26 Home Opener

11/7/2025 10:00:00 AM

NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT men's basketball team returns home for their home opener at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center on Saturday, the 8th to welcome Fairfield for a 2:00 p.m. start time. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Adam Dobrowlski and Jesse Agel on the call.
 
Fordham Recap
  • The Highlanders opened their season with a road win over Fordham 72-61.
  •  The last time the Highlanders won a season opener was back in the 2018-19 season when the team defeated Colgate 81-78 in overtime.
  • The freshman duo of David Bolden and Rocco Awad were two of three Highlanders to score in double-digits in the game and combined for 30 points.
  • Sophomore Jordan Rogers also finished the game in double-digits with 11 points.
  • The Highlanders finished the game going 28-59 from the field (47.5%) and shot lights out from three connecting on 12 of 22 (54.5%).
  • Bolden's 18 points is the most points scored by a freshman in their debut since Damon Lynn in 2013. Damon had 21 points at Tulane on Nov. 8, 2013.
NJIT vs. Fairfield: All-Time Series
  • This is the first all-time matchup between the Highlanders and the Stags.
Quick Notes:
  • Grant Billmeier enters his third season at the helm.
  • Ty Goode joins the coaching staff as an assistant coach after spending the previous three seasons on the staff at Fordham University as Recruiting/Video Coordinator (2024-25) and Assistant Recruiting Coordinator (2022-24).
  • The Highlanders return nine players from last season, one of the highest marks in the conference.
  • The Highlanders boasts a younger roster with 11 of its 15 members being either freshman or sophomores. The team also has three juniors and a graduate student.
  • Newcomers to Newark include Melvyn Ebonkoli, Jeremy Clayville, Rocco Awad, Zack Scherler, AJ Altobelli and David Bolden.
  • The Highlanders non-conference slate is filled with tough opponents including the AP Preseason No. 11 Louisville.
Next Up
NJIT is back on the road as the Highlanders take on Loyola MD on Tuesday, the 11th for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Stay up to date on all things NJIT Men's Basketball throughout the season by following @NJITHoops on X/Twitter and Instagram.
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