The NJIT Highlanders hosted #2 in the America East standings, Vermont who went on the road Thursday night and took home the win in Newark, NJ by 10 points with a final score of 71-61. This loss brings down NJIT to a 5-24 record in which has been a very tough and unlucky season for the Highlanders.
On the other hand, Vermont now sit on an impressive (11-3) conference record and a (18-11) overall record, right behind Bryant who sit at the very top of the standings at the moment.
This game consisted of lots of intensity and physicality from both teams. It seemed at first that the NJIT Highlanders were finally going to put an end to the losing streak after 6 games after being up 29-30 at the end of the first after having to fight for a 7 point comeback. The Highlanders had a great start to the second half, extending their lead by 7 which saw them go up 32-39 at the first couple of minutes in the second half. This gave hope to the Highlanders but it didn’t last long as Vermont quickly responded back after a couple of turnovers by the Highlanders which saw the game tied once again at 42-42.
Vermont’s quick pass transitions were a key factor in this game as it saw the Highlanders struggle to keep up late in the second half which ended up in favor of Vermont which saw them take their largest lead on the night (by 10) at the dying moments of the game. Vermont ended up taking the win by a score of 71-61 in what was a very tricky game for the Catamounts as they struggled against a struggling NJIT team and surely underestimated their fighting spirit.
Vermont’s Shamir Bouges led the team with his Season-High of 22 points while also contributing 6 rebounds, 3 assists and adding a steal to his game. lleri Ayo-Faleye and Nick Fiorilllo combined for 26 points on the night and 6 assists in total. lleri had 6 blocks to his game which made him Vermonts most important defensive player on the night. Jace Roquemore put up 7 points coming off the bench and 5 rebounds.
NJITS’ trio of Tariq Francis, Ari Fulton and Jordan Rodgers 47 combined points weren’t enough on the night as they faced defeat once again. Ari Fulton produced a double-double on the night which saw him drop 15 points and 10 rebounds that came from both, offensive and defensive.
What’s Next for both?
With NJITS’ season and March Madness dreams over, they will be playing their final two games on their season hosting University of Albany this Saturday and Binghamton on Tuesday which will be a rematch from earlier in February where both teams went all the way into Overtime and saw Binghamton take home the win in the dying moments of the match.
Vermont will be back on Saturday with more basketball facing off against UMBC hoping to get some revenge against them and will be closing off their regular season at home versus UAlbany.
