Fulton's Late Bucket Sends Highlanders to America East Semifinals

The NJIT men's basketball team defeated Maine, 60-58, on a last-second jumper by Ari Fulton to send the Highlanders to the America East Semifinals Saturday night at the Wellness and Events Center. With the win, NJIT advances to the America East Semifinals for the first time in program history.

Box Score || NJIT Highlights vs. Maine || America East Quarterfinal Recap

Both teams struggled to score down the stretch, and the game was tied at 58-58 with 11.1 seconds remaining. On the final possession, Sebastian Robinson drove the length of the court and kicked the ball out to Fulton, who buried a mid-range jumper with 0.2 seconds left to seal the victory.

NJIT opened the game on an 11-4 run, capped by a three-pointer from sophomore Quentin Duncan, to take an early 11-6 advantage with just under 13 minutes remaining in the first half.

The remainder of the half featured a defensive, physical battle, with both teams trading baskets. After 20 minutes of play, the Highlanders held a 32-29 lead. Junior Sebastian Robinson led all scorers at the break with 12 points as NJIT shot 42.3 percent (11-for-26) from the field.

The defensive tone continued into the second half before NJIT used a 7-0 run midway through the period to take a 46-43 lead with just under nine minutes remaining. The stretch was highlighted by an and-one from Robinson that brought the WEC crowd to its feet.

Robinson led the Highlanders with 21 points, while freshman David Bolden added 12. Fulton finished with 10 points and eight rebounds, including the game-winning shot.

Next Up
No. 3 seeded NJIT will travel to face No. 2 seeded Vermont in the America East Semifinals on Tuesday at 7 p.m.