NJIT WBB Rolls Past Bryant on Senior Day

Basketball, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The NJIT WBB Team(12-17, 4-12, America East) hosted the Bryant Bulldogs(15-14, 8-8 America East) on Senior/Alumni Day and 2023-24 regular season and home finale at the NJIT Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness Center in Newark, New Jersey.

NJIT was coming off a thrilling 77-76 overtime win over the UMBC Retrievers at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Trinity Williams poured in a career-high 24 points, including knocking down free throws to lift the Highlanders to the victory. Alejandra Zuniga tallied 15 points, while Aria Myers netted 13 points.

Before tip-off, a special pre-game ceremony honored seniors/graduate players Lindsey Syrek, Kenna Squier, Aria Myers, Kiana Brereton, Lyzi Litwinko, and Lily Anderson.

NJIT Head Coach Mike Lane said in the past few days, “It was a great week, and going into it, we had to get some things done.” “We had to go on the road and get a win and put ourselves into the best position in the America East Tournament, then add Senior and Alumni Day and over 30 alumni.” “The girls had great practices this week, and we’re focused, prepared ,and playing our best basketball.”

“A lot of people were here today especially with the seniors and their families, alumni and fans and a lot of New Jersey kids on Bryant.” “There was an alumna from the first class back in 1987 and Marissa(Gingrich) is 18 years-old and that’s crazy.”

“This program has come a long way and a lot more building to do but we have the administration, this building and support and getting the right kids in here and a great place to be.”

In the first quarter, the Highlanders fell behind 5-3 two and a half minutes in but responded with an emphatic 9-0 run over the next three minutes of action. Kenna Squier was in the zone from the opening tap, burying two trifectas’ while notching eight points that propelled NJIT to an 18-10 lead at the end of the period.

“That’s the best version of Kenna Squier, scoring on all three levels and then rebounding, defending, and getting steals,” Head Coach Mike Lane described. “When I started in 2018, we knew she would have a fabulous career and wish we could clone her.” “We’re really happy with the way she finished her career and to go out like that is special.”

Moving to the second quarter, the Highlanders picked up where they left off in the first quarter, outscoring Bryant 13-2 in the first minutes of play. By the time halftime rolled around, NJIT extended their advantage to 33-17. The Highlanders bench produced 12 points, dominating points in the paint at 18-8 and 19-13 in rebounds.

“18-10 against this team is nothing, and to hold them to 7 points in the second quarter,” Head Coach Mike Lane noted. “A lot of buckets were not going down for us, and I was getting frustrated because we were getting good looks and ins and outs.” “We were very methodical, and I felt good at halftime.”

“As a coach you want a total team effort and to bring in Alejandra(Zuniga), Trinity(Williams), Madilyn Dogs off the bench.” “Reese Vaughn had good minutes as well as Audrey Kormann, Mackenzie Wright-Rawls.” “Marissa(Gingrich) has been playing well had at the end of the year.”

Once the third quarter commenced, NJIT wasted no time widening the margin to 20 plus points behind the stellar play of Lyzi Litwinko, who dropped six points. The Highlanders were shooting a blistering 54 percent from the field and continuing to control points in the paint at 8-2.

Heading into the final frame, NJIT held a commanding 48-29 lead. The Highlanders didn’t step off the gas pedal in the fourth quarter as they cruised to the 64-38 win. Ten players, led by Kenna Squier, etched their names onto the score sheet, supplying a game-high 15 points.

“All the seniors scored today, Bryant made a little run in the third quarter but the way we started in that quarter was the biggest point in the game, and putting the seniors back in the game there and they delivered,” Head Coach Mike Lane stated. “To hold Bryant to 38 points is really good, and last time we played them gave up 71 so a great defensive effort.”

NJIT returns to the hardwood court on Friday, March 8th, in the America East Tournament Quarterfinals against second seed Albany(24-5, 13-3 America East) at the Broadview Center in Albany, New York, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. The Great Danes swept the regular-season series.

“UMBC beat Vermont, we played a close game against Albany, not so well against Maine and maybe for a half but anybody can beat anyone in this conference,” Head Coach Mike Lane cited. “We know we’re going to get a really good team and have to prove we belong here, and let’s go play.”

“We made the tournament, and it didn’t look too good last Saturday night, and our season is going to be over.” “We didn’t want it to end, so we did our job and were happy to be here practicing and going to have fun.”

Spread the word. Share this post!