NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT men's basketball team stays on the road and travels to Iona for the America East-Metro Challenge on Thursday Night at 7:00 p.m. inside the Hynes Athletic Center. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Dayton Recap
- The Highlanders opened its 2026-27 campaign Monday night, falling 89-58 on the road against Dayton.
- Sophomore Mathéo Coffi led NJIT offensively, recording a team-high 12 points while also pacing the team on the glass with five rebounds in his first game as a Highlander.
- Junior Quentin Duncan finished with nine points, including a pair of three-pointers, while sophomore Mario Tatum Jr. added eight points. Junior John Kelly chipped in seven points, while freshman Victor Vanderstraeten and sophomore Brendan Oliver contributed six points apiece in their Highlanders' debut.
NJIT vs. Iona: All-Time Series
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This is the third meeting between NJIT and Iona with the Gaels leading the all-time series 2-0. The last matchup dates back to December 9, 2017 when the Highlanders fell to the Gaels in Newark, 70-74.
Quick Notes:
- Grant Billmeier enters his fourth season at the helm.
- The Highlanders were selected to finish fourth in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, the highest preseason selection since joining the conference back in 2020.
- The Highlanders return seven players from last year's team.
- Newcomers to Newark include Mathéo Coffi, Jayonni Durrough, Brendan Oliver, Brandon Stores Jr, Mario Tatum Jr, Victor Vanderstraeten.
- The Highlanders non-conference slate will feature five high-major teams.
- Bolden becomes the second Highlander to be named to the America East Preseason All-Conference Team, joining Zach Cooks, who earned the honor ahead of NJIT's inaugural season in the conference in 2020-21.
Next Up
The Highlanders return to Newark and welcome Saint Peter's for the 2026-27 home opener on Sunday, the 8
th inside the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center for a 4:00 p.m. start time.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on all things NJIT Men's Basketball throughout the season by following @NJITHoops on X/Twitter and Instagram.
