NEWARK, NJ - The University of Maine men's basketball team lost in close fashion to the Highlanders of NJIT on Sunday afternoon, 69-66.

The Black Bears fell behind early by as Miles Coleman got his Highlander squad out to a 11-7 lead at the 15:07 mark in the first.

Maine went on 12-3 run shortly after falling behind, getting out to a 6 point lead with 8:26 on the clock, their largest of the first half.

Following back-and-forth baskets from both teams, the Black Bears went into the locker oom still holding a 4 point lead, 33-29, at halftime.

Maine would hold onto the lead and increase it to a game high 7 at the 13:51 mark as Ata Turgut score 2 of his 4 points in the contest,

NJIT would draw to within 1 and take over the lead on back-to-back possessions and scores by Coleman.

The Highlanders would hold onto the lead from that point forward, narrowly getting the victory at a 69-66 final score.

The Black Bears were led offensively by a career high 18 from Sam Ihekwoaba. His 8 made field goals also marked a career high, while he shot an impressive 8-14 from the field.

Ja'Shonte Wright-McLeish would chip in 13 for the Black Bears to go along with a team high 8 rebounds. LeChaun Duhart (9 points, 3-7 3PT) and Chris Efretuei (4 pts, 5 rebs, 4 a) also turned in solid performances.

The Highlanders were paced by Miles Coleman, who dropped 23-10 for his squad.

Following the postponed matchup against Hartford on Jan. 6, the Black Bears will next face off against the Stony Brook Seawolves on Saturday, Jan. 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 P.M.

-UMaine-