NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — NJIT pulled away in the second half to defeat Bryant 79-55 in an America East Conference men’s basketball game Monday at Fleisher Athletic Center. The Highlanders outscored the Bulldogs 50-32 after halftime. Sebastian Robinson led all scorers with 22 points for NJIT, adding seven rebounds and four assists. David Bolden added 17 points for the Highlanders, who improved to 9-11. Aaron Davis scored 11 points for Bryant, which shot just 31.3% from the floor. The Bulldogs fell to 6-13. NJIT was efficient offensively, shooting 46.2% from the field and 90.9% from the free-throw line. Bryant committed 11 turnovers, leading to a 19-4 edge in points off turnovers for the Highlanders. Attendance was 545.

Preview: Bryant Bulldogs at NJIT Highlanders NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — Two America East Conference men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Monday when the NJIT Highlanders host the Bryant Bulldogs at Fleisher Athletic Center. The Bulldogs (6-12, 2-3 America East) enter on the heels of a dramatic 79-74 overtime victory over Maryland-Baltimore County on Thursday. Bryant has struggled for consistency, however, alternating wins and losses over its last six games. Bryant’s offense runs through guard Aaron Davis, who is coming off a 41-minute, 19-point performance against UMBC. Over his last five games, Davis is averaging 16.2 points, showcasing his role as the team’s primary scorer. He and forward Timofei Rudovskii (22 points vs. UMBC) will be focal points for the Bulldogs’ attack. The Highlanders (8-11, 3-2) have won three of their last four conference games, most recently a 73-64 road win at UMass Lowell on Thursday. NJIT has found success at home in league play, defeating New Hampshire and Maine earlier this month. NJIT is led by guard Ari Fulton, who exploded for 24 points in the win over UMass Lowell. His scoring punch, alongside Sebastian Robinson’s 20-point effort in that same game, gives the Highlanders a versatile backcourt. Fulton’s production has been variable, but he poses a significant perimeter threat when hot. This matchup represents a critical early conference battle. A win would bring Bryant back to .500 in America East play, while NJIT aims to solidify its position in the upper half of the standings. The Bulldogs will need to contain Fulton and improve their road form, having lost five of their last six away from home. NJIT must counter Bryant’s top scorers and leverage its recent home-court advantage. The teams will conclude their regular-season series in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on Feb. 28.