Newark, N.J.-- UMBC men's basketball (6-7, 1-1 AE) got contributions from 10 different scorers in a 76-56 win at NJIT to snap a five-game losing streak.
Jacob Boonyasith (Grand Rapids, Mich.) led all scorers with a season-high 14 points.
Dimitrije Spasojevic (Vrsac, Serbia) added a season-best 13 points in the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Both teams came out of the gate struggling from the floor. Keondre Kennedy (Atlanta, Ga.) got the scoring started, but the Highlanders led 4-2 at the first media timeout.
- UMBC found their stride midway through, using an 8-0 run to take back the lead. Darnell Rogers (Baltimore, Md./Indian Land (SC)/New Mexico JC) had a pair of threes on the run.
- That lead extended to 14 after a tough and one from Jacob Boonyasith put the Retrievers in front 23-9.
- UMBC clamped down defensively all half, holding the Highlanders to just 37.5 percent from the floor and 12.5 percent from three in the half.
- L.J. Owens (Annapolis, Md./Severn School/William & Mary) drilled a three in the final minute to put the Retrievers ahead 35-22 at the break.
- Owens and Dimitrije Spasojevic led the way with seven points each. Kennedy added five and six rebounds. UMBC outscored NJIT 15-3 in bench points with six assists on 11 baskets.
- The Retrievers picked up right where they left off, going 5-6 from the floor to start the half with a 20 point lead at the under 16 timeout.
- NJIT put together a run and cut into the deficit, but jumpers from Kennedy and Spasojevic ended the threat.
- UMBC would continue to apply pressure defensively throughout the half, leading by as many as 24 en route to a 76-56 win on Wednesday.
NOTABLE:
- Boonyasith and Spasojevic each recorded season-highs with 14 and 13 points respectively.
- Kennedy added 11 points and seven rebounds in the win.
- UMBC shot a blistering 54 percent in the second half, outscoring the Highlanders 30-14 in bench points.
UMBC will return to The Peake on Saturday, Jan. 15 when rival Vermont comes to town. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN3.
