NJIT Hangs On at Drexel for Another Impressive Road Win
Senior Abdul Lewis posted team-highs in points (17) and rebounds (10) as NJIT held off Drexel University, 70-67, on Wednesday at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. The Highlanders have now started 4-0 on the road for the first time in 30 years -- since a 7-0 road mark to open 1988-89.
In a game NJIT controlled for a majority of the time (33:19), the outcome was not determined until the final buzzer.
Leading, 70-67, the Highlanders defense made its most important stop of the evening. Drexel gained possession of the basketball with seven seconds remaining. NJIT clamped down, not allowing the Dragons to fire-up a game-tying, three-point attempt until a force by a fading Zach Walter with one second on the clock. The shot was well off the mark and an NJIT celebration ensued.
The Highlanders have now opened 7-1 for the first time since 1994-95. At publishing time, they are just one of 10 teams in the nation to have reached seven wins and one of two squads with four road victories. The Highlanders' four-game road winning streak is also their longest since a six-gamer in 2001-02.
"We have a team of real competitors and they grind games out," NJIT Head Coach Brian Kennedy said. "For our program to be seven and one at this point in time is a credit to my kids and how hard they play. This is just a tough group of kids. They come out no matter who we face and give it their best effort."
Lewis' double-double was the first by an NJIT player this season and the 14th of his Highlanders career.
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