Women’s Basketball Hosts NJIT for Thursday Evening Contest

The UMBC Women's Basketball team returns to The Peake looking for its first America East win for the 2024-25 season against NJIT at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The game will air on ESPN+.

Last time out, UMBC (7-6, 0-1) dropped the America East opener 60-50 to Binghamton at The Peake on Saturday Jan. 4. Jordon Lewis led the Retrievers with 11 points, while Laura Lacambra and Lauren Thompson each tallied eight points in the loss. Alaina Williams grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds and Carmen Yánez had seven assists.

Both teams were tied 16-16 after the first quarter, but Binghamton would go on a 8-0 run in the second quarter to take a 31-26 lead at the half. Binghamton opened the second half with a jumper before Williams answered with one of her own, but the Bearcats went on a 10-0 run to take a 43-28 lead. The Retrievers fought back after a Thompson three and went on a 7-0 run, but Binghamton would seal the win ending with a 7-0 run to record their first conference win of the season.

Scouting NJIT:

NJIT is coming off a 58-49 win against Binghamton on Jan. 2 before having a bye week. Freshman Olivia Kulyk registered a double-double, scoring a career-best 21 points and 12 rebounds. Kulyk was named the America East Player and Rookie of the Week on Jan. 6, her fourth Rookie of the Week honor of the season.

Alejandra Zuniga chipped in nine points and had three assists, while Trinity Williams returned with eight points, four rebounds, and two blocks in 23 minutes. The Highlanders outscored the Bearcats 17-4 in the fourth quarter to seal their first conference win on opening day.

SERIES HISTORY

UMBC leads the series, 5-3.
The last time the Retrievers faced the Highlanders was on 2/29/24 at The Peake where the Retrievers lost 77-76 in overtime.

NOT ROLLING IN THE DEEP

As of 1/7/25, the Retrievers are currently nationally ranked #10 in three point percentage defense (23.6 pct), leading the America East.

EVERYTHING IS BETTER WHEN IT'S FREE!

UMBC leads the America East in free throw attempts per game (15.73)
The Retrievers lead the America East in free throws made per game (11.45)
Jaliena Sanchez is ranked third in conference in free throw percentage with .780

OTHER NOTES

Jaden Walker is ranked sixth in the conference in rebounds per game averaging 6.8 rebounds.

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Players Mentioned

#33 Laura Lacambra: C; 6' 2"; Junior

#5 Jordon Lewis: G/F; 5' 10"; Graduate Student

#3 Jaliena Sanchez: G; 5' 5"; Graduate Student

#22 Jaden Walker: F; 5' 10"; Graduate Student

#15 Carmen Yánez: G; 5' 6"; Junior

#12 Lauren Thompson: G; 5' 6"; Freshman

#10 Alaina Williams: F; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#33 Laura Lacambra
: 6' 2"; Junior
: C

#5 Jordon Lewis
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student
: G/F

#3 Jaliena Sanchez
: 5' 5"; Graduate Student
: G

#22 Jaden Walker
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student
: F

#15 Carmen Yánez
: 5' 6"; Junior
: G

#12 Lauren Thompson
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: G

#10 Alaina Williams
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: F