The NJIT Highlanders fell short against the Binghamton Bearcats, 75-71, on Saturday afternoon at the Wellness and Events Center. The loss dropped the Highlanders to 5-22 and 2-10 in the America East Conference. Binghamton improved to 13-14 and 5-7 in the conference.
The first half was full of action for both teams. Tim Moore Jr. scored the game’s first bucket on an alley-oop and scored the next three buckets for the Highlanders. Chris Walker countered, scoring the first three baskets for Binghamton. The first half’s biggest lead was eight points in favor of the Bearcats but was answered back by the Highlanders in the final seconds of the period, after Moore Jr. once again delivered an electrifying alley-oop, making it a one-point game at 28-27.
Binghamton’s Tymu Chenery scored the half’s final points as the Bearcats held a 30-27 lead at the end of the first 20 minutes of action in Newark. Moore Jr. led the Highlanders with 15 points at the half. Chris Walker finished the opening half with 10 points and five rebounds for Binghamton.
Binghamton came out in the second half and delivered two opening baskets to kick off the half. Both teams had no solution to stop the other team’s most dangerous men on the court. NJIT struggled to contain Nehemiah Benson, who would constantly back down any defender who was assigned to guard him. Benson dropped a double-double on the day, contributing 20 points and 11 rebounds. The senior forward had not scored 20 points since earlier in the season when he dropped a season-high of 28.
Conversely, the Bearcats struggled to keep up with Moore Jr., who scored a career-high 28 points on the day and went 11-of-18 from the field.
Binghamton looked to be in control in the second half, seeing themselves up by 13 points. NJIT responded immediately, going on a 13-0 run to take their first lead since the first half thanks to a three-pointer by Moore, Jr.
The game would head into overtime thanks to a pair of free throws made by Benson, who tied the game 62-62. Binghamton would eventually take control in overtime, as offensive and defensive fouls would cost the Highlanders the game and even see Rodgers foul out of the game for NJIT.
Moore, Jr., Tariq Francis, and Jordan Rodgers were the highest scorers on the night for the Highlanders, combining for 56 points, while Quentin Duncan scored eight points off the bench.
Galvin Walsh contributed 17 points for the Bearcats, while his teammates Walker and Wes Peterson Jr. combined for 22 points.
What’s Next For NJIT
The NJIT Highlanders will be back in action next Saturday on the road against the UMBC Retrievers (12-15, 4-8 America East). Tip-off is set for noon in Baltimore.
