Newark, NJ – The University of Maine men's basketball picked up their first conference win of the season as they defeated NJIT, 70-64.
 
Maine jumped out to an early lead as they didn't allow a single point across the opening 3:26 of the contest.
 
Maine never gave up their lead in the first half as the best NJIT could do was tie the score up on two separate occasions.
 
The Black Bears led by a first-half high of 11 points following an AJ Lopez three-pointer. NJIT ended the first half scoring the final four points, leading to a 32-25 advantage for the Black Bears.
 
Peter Filipovity was nearly unstoppable in the first half as he had 16 points, which was double the next closest scorer in the first half, to go along with eight rebounds.
 
Lopez had six points while Kellen Tynes made his presence felt on defense as he had five rebounds and three steals.
 
The Black Bears continued to hold their lead despite a few runs from NJIT that trimmed the deficit down to a single-possession game as Maine held onto their lead and came away with the victory on the afternoon, 70-64.
 
Maine never trailed in the contest as they were led in scoring by Filipovity, who finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the season.
 
Tynes stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, five steals and a block. Adam Cisse scored his career-high with the Black Bears as he scored 12.
 
Maine (9-10, 1-3 AE) returns to Orono on Thursday night as they host UAlbany. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 P.M.
 
-UMaine-