NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT men's basketball team falls to Maine, 74-70, on Saturday afternoon and drop to 2-1 in America East play.

The Highlanders started the game 1-10 from the field, that one made field goal coming from sophomore Quentin Duncan who opened the game banking in a three. Over that stretch the Black Bears were able to go on a 10-2 run until junior Sebastain Robinson checked in and scored two quick baskets in the paint to bring the Highlanders back.

The Black Bears started the half having their best performance so far of the season shooting 11-14 from the field (78.6%), and a perfect 6-6 from deep, causing the Highlanders to be in an early hole.

At the break, the Highlanders trailed for a third straight conference game, 37-29.

The Highlanders shot 11-32 from the field (34.4%) while the Black Bears shot an impressive 13-21 from the field (61.9%).

Out of the half, the Highlanders stormed their way back going on a 6-0 run forcing a Maine timeout within the first two minutes of the second half.

Momentum shifted with Robinson's aggressive scoring and charged the Highlanders run extending it to a 14-0 run to get their first lead of the game since the opening minutes.

The Black Bears offense was not quiet for long responding with a couple threes to get back within a one score game halfway through the final half.

Just under the eight-minute mark, the Black Bears regained their lead for the first time in the half putting them ahead one.

The Black Bears used the lead change and went on a 9-0 run to take the lead, 60-56 with 6:13 to go.

The rest of the way, the Black Bears were able to maintain their lead however a late three from freshman David Bolden got the game within three it but it was too late.

Leading the way for the Highlanders was Robinson who finished with a game-high 24 points on 9-16 shooting from the field. This marks his third game scoring 20+ and his ninth scoring in double-digits.

Next Up
NJIT hits the road as America East play continues as the Highlanders take on   UMass Lowell on Thursday, January 15^th for a 6:00 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.