INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Butler Bulldogs, riding high after a last-second victory, will look to continue their strong non-conference play when they host the struggling NJIT Highlanders at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on Monday. Butler (9-3) enters the contest fresh off a 61-58 home win over Northwestern on Saturday, showcasing the defensive resilience that has defined its season. The Bulldogs’ record includes impressive victories over Virginia and Providence, the latter a 113-110 double-overtime thriller. Their three losses have come against quality opponents: Connecticut, Boise State and SMU. NJIT (4-8) seeks to halt a two-game skid and find consistency away from home. The Highlanders are 0-6 on the road this season, with losses by an average margin of 26 points at power-conference foes Louisville and Cincinnati. They are coming off a 65-49 home loss to Sacred Heart on Dec. 13, where they shot just 32.7% from the field. A key matchup will feature both teams’ players to watch. For NJIT, guard Ari Fulton has been a bright spot, averaging 11.5 points over his last six games. He posted 18 points at High Point on Dec. 5 and followed with a 13-point effort in a win over New Haven. He will need a significant performance to challenge Butler’s backcourt. Butler will counter with versatile forward Drayton Jones, who contributes across the stat sheet. Jones is coming off a 13-point game against UConn and dished out eight assists in the win over Providence. His defensive presence is also notable, having recorded multiple blocks in four of his last five outings. The game marks the final tune-up for both teams before holiday breaks. Butler opens Big East play at Creighton on Dec. 30. NJIT, which begins America East Conference action on Jan. 3, will host SUNY Canton on Dec. 29. Monday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the Bulldogs are 6-1 this season.