POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – NJIT connected on 11 three-pointers and had three players score in double figures as the Highlanders earned a 67-63 road victory over Marist Sunday evening at McCann Arena in the America East-Metro Conference Challenge. With the win, NJIT improves to 3-0 to open the 2026-27 season.
The Highlanders finished with 11 three-pointers, 17 assists and converted 16 Marist turnovers into 15 points.
Marissa Gingrich led the offensive effort with 18 points, including six field goals and five three-pointers. Piper Engelby added a career-high 16 points, knocking down five three-pointers while also recording a block. Ava Locklear made an impact across the board with six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Mia Gestosani contributed 10 points and two steals while going a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Madilyn Dogs rounded out the effort with seven points, six rebounds and two assists.
NJIT opened the contest by knocking down four three-pointers in the first quarter. Gingrich, Carly Sweazie and Engelby all connected from beyond the arc over the final 3:52, helping the Highlanders take a 16-13 lead. NJIT also held a 5-0 advantage in points off turnovers and second-chance points.
Marist responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Highlanders 15-12 to even the contest at halftime, 28-28. The Red Foxes held a 9-7 rebounding advantage in the period, while Addison Shen's layup briefly gave NJIT a 25-24 lead.
The Highlanders took control in the third quarter, outscoring Marist 26-14 behind an efficient shooting performance. NJIT connected on 8-of-14 field-goal attempts and 5-of-6 from three-point range while limiting the Red Foxes to 4-of-12 shooting and forcing five turnovers. Engelby accounted for four of NJIT's five three-pointers in the period, and an 8-0 run from 5:29 to 2:09 helped the Highlanders build a 54-42 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Marist made a late push, outscoring NJIT 21-13 in the final period while holding a 15-7 rebounding advantage, including six offensive boards. However, the Highlanders maintained their lead down the stretch to secure the 67-63 victory. After Kasey Bretones pulled Marist within three at 66-63 with 1:01 remaining, Gingrich converted a free throw with 15 seconds left to help seal the win.
NEXT UP
NJIT returns to action Wednesday, November 11, traveling to Lafayette for a 6 p.m. contest. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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