Newark, NJ – The University of Maine men's basketball program used a big second-half to pick up their third America East victory of the season over the NJIT Highlanders, 57-44.
 
Both sides started off the game strong on the defensive side of the floor as the score was locked up at 12-12 with 8:16 remaining in the first half.
 
NJIT built up their largest lead of the first half at 21-14 as they went on a 7-0 run with 3:53 remaining before the Black Bears responded with a 9-2 run of their own to tie up the game at 23-23.
 
NJIT made a late bucket and a free throw as they led 26-23 at halftime.
 
Kellen Tynes had 7 points on 50% shooting, along with a block and a steal.
 
AJ Lopez had 6 points while Jaden Clayton had 4 points and 3 rebounds. Killian Gribben picked up a steal and a block off the bench in the first half.
 
Maine started off the second half on a 10-0 run as they took a 33-26 lead as Lopez scored five-straight points.
 
The Black Bears continued to build up their lead up to 10 with 8:36 remaining.
 
Following three points from NJIT, the Black Bears pulled away for good from the Highlanders as Maine picked up its third America East victory of the season by a final score of 57-44.
 
Maine outscored NJIT 34-18 in the second half as Lopez finished with a game-high 18 points.
 
Tynes had 12 points, 8 assists and 4 steals while Gribben tied his season-high with 8 rebounds, 5 of which were offensive rebounds.
 
Maine (11-8, 3-1 AE) heads to UMBC for the second of three games on their current road trip on Saturday, Jan. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 PM.
 
-UMaine-