ORONO, ME – Interim Head Coach, Jason Steadman, picks up his first win with the Black Bears as Maine downed NJIT, 65-61.
 
NJIT got out to a hot start from the field, finding themselves out on an early 10-point run just 2:58 into the contest.
 
The Highlanders would get their biggest lead of the contest in the first half as Miles Coleman buried a 3-point shot, stretching the lead early at 23-8.
 
Maine would call a timeout promptly afterwards, and following the timeout, begin to find a rhythm on offense.
 
Maine would battle all the way back to take the lead going into the half, capped off by a Fofo Adetogun layup with 1:28 left to take a 36-34 lead into the half.
 
Miles Coleman (15 pts) led all scorers at the half and for NJIT.
 
Maine was led by Stephane Ingo (8 pts), Ja'Shonté Wright-Mcleish (8 pts) and Fofo Adetogun (6 pts).
 
NJIT would come out in the second half just like they did in the first half, outscoring the Black Bears early and getting out to a 9-point lead after a Coleman 3-pointer.
 
Maine would find an answer and lock in on the defensive end and battle back for a second time from down big, to take the lead, this time coming on a Sam Ihekwoaba dunk with 4:05 left.
 
Maine would hold onto their lead as they came away with a 65-61 victory, the first for Jason Steadman as Intern Head Coach.
 
The Black Bears committed only 6 turnovers in the contest while forcing 13 in the contest.
 
Ja'Shonté Wright-Mcleish led the way for the Black Bears as he scored 17 points. Stephane Ingo (12 pts, 6 rebs) and Peter Filipovity (10 pts, 7 reb) were key contributors for the Black Bears.
 
Maine will stay at home as they UAlbany Great Danes come to Orono for a matchup on Wedesday, Feb. 23. That game is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. in the Pit.
 
-UMaine-