NJIT 54 - Saint Peter's 52 (11/8/2023): Late Surge Seals Highlanders Victory

In a nail-biter that went down to the wire, the NJIT Highlanders squeaked past the Saint Peter's Peacocks with a final score of 54-52. This game was held at NJIT's home court, where the Highlanders managed to secure their first victory of the season.

The Peacocks' journey through the early part of the season remains tough as they now sit at 0-3. The team's offensive struggles continued, evident in their scoring and shooting percentages.

Battle on the Boards

Saint Peter's pulled down 28.5 rebounds per game, placing them among the lower ranks nationally. NJIT wasn't far behind, grabbing an average of 27 rebounds per game.

The battle on the boards was pivotal for both teams, as controlling rebounds often dictates the game's pace. Saint Peter's needed every extra possession they could get due to their shooting difficulties.

In terms of second-chance opportunities, both teams capitalized on missed shots to keep themselves in the game. The back-and-forth in rebounding highlighted each team's determination.

Offensive Struggles

Saint Peter's came into the game with an average of just 48.5 points per game. The Peacocks' low field goal percentage was a factor, as they hit just 30.6% of their shots.

On the other hand, NJIT entered with a slightly better scoring average of 53.5 points per game. However, their three-point shooting ranked near the bottom nationally at 15.7%.

Both teams found it challenging to find their rhythm offensively, leading to a lower scoring game. The defensive pressure from both sides contributed to the limited scoring chances.

Key Contributors

Despite the low scoring from both teams, a few players stood out. For Saint Peter's, their defense showed up with 7 steals per game, trying to create fast-break opportunities.

NJIT's defense was also notable with 8 steals and an impressive 1 block per game. Their ability to protect the paint helped limit Saint Peter's scoring chances.

The Highlanders' discipline on defense, committing just 13.5 fouls per game, played a crucial role in limiting free throw attempts for Saint Peter's. This discipline was a deciding factor in their tight win.

As the final buzzer sounded, NJIT held on by the slimmest of margins. Both teams showed promise in different areas, yet there's room for improvement as the season progresses.