NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT men's basketball team earned a thrilling 54-52 victory over Saint Peter's Sunday afternoon at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness & Events Center, as Brandon Stores Jr. sunk a half court three-pointer at the buzzer to secure the Highlanders' first win of the season.
The opening half featured a slow pace, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Turnovers and missed field-goal attempts limited scoring opportunities, as Saint Peter's shot just 24.0% (6-of-25) from the field, while NJIT connected on 36.8% (7-of-19) of its attempts. Despite the offensive struggles, the Highlanders were able to build a seven-point advantage heading into the break, 25-18. Sophomore David Bolden helped provide a late spark, knocking down a pair of three-pointers, including one in the closing seconds of the half.
The offensive efficiency improved for both sides coming out of the break. NJIT shot an impressive 50.0% (8-of-16) from the field in the second half, including 60.0% (3-of-5) from beyond the arc. Saint Peter's also found more success offensively, shooting 39.4% (13-of-33) from the field and 43.8% (7-of-16) from three-point range. The Highlanders carried their advantage to as many as 12 points early in the period, getting contributions from Stores Jr., Bolden and sophomore Matheo Coffi.
Saint Peter's mounted a comeback over the final stretch, gradually cutting into the deficit before taking a late lead. The Peacocks used a pair of three-pointers to move in front, 50-46, with just over three minutes remaining. NJIT responded with a basket from freshman Victor Vanderstraeten and two free throws from Bolden to pull within two. Sophomore Mario Tatum Jr. added a free throw to bring the Highlanders within one, setting up a dramatic finish.
With the game coming down to the final possession, the Highlanders got the defensive rebounded they needed to give themselves one last opportunity for redshirt freshman Brandon Stores Jr. to knock down a fastbreak three-pointer as time expired to send NJIT to a dramatic 54-52 victory.
Stores Jr. led the Highlanders with 15 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Bolden finished with 12 points and five rebounds, while Coffi contributed nine points and a team-high six rebounds. Vanderstraeten added eight points and four rebounds, while Tatum Jr. and sophomore
Rocco Awad each chipped in five points.
NJIT finished the afternoon shooting 42.9% (15-of-35) from the field and 41.2% (7-of-17) from three-point range. The Highlanders also converted 17-of-26 attempts from the free-throw line.
Next Up
NJIT begins a five-game road trip as the Highlanders take on Rutgers on Tuesday, the 10th in Piscataway. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date on all things NJIT Men's Basketball throughout the season by following @NJITHoops on X/Twitter and Instagram.
