Preview: NJIT Highlanders at Delaware State Hornets LEIPSIC, Del. (Interstat) — A surging NJIT women’s basketball team visits a struggling Delaware State squad in a non-conference matchup Monday at Memorial Hall. The Highlanders (8-4) enter with a winning record built on a strong home stand, having won five of their last seven games. Their most recent outing was a narrow 61-60 loss to Dartmouth on Dec. 11, where Olivia Kulyk and Alejandra Zuniga each scored 15 points. NJIT has shown offensive balance, with four players averaging double figures in scoring during that stretch, including Marissa Gingrich. Conversely, the Hornets (3-11) are mired in a seven-game losing streak, all on the road, and have not played since a 59-46 home loss to Detroit on Dec. 21. Their schedule has been arduous, featuring road games against power conference opponents Maryland, Georgetown and Tulane. A bright spot for Delaware State has been guard Jermesha Frierson. She is coming off a strong performance against Detroit, scoring 18 points with eight rebounds in 34 minutes. Frierson has averaged 12.2 points over the last six games, providing a consistent offensive threat for a team that has struggled to score, failing to reach 50 points in five of its last six contests. NJIT will look to exploit its momentum and more efficient offense against a Hornets defense that has allowed an average of 71.4 points during its losing skid. Delaware State will aim to leverage the return home and Frierson’s scoring to snap its streak before beginning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play on Jan. 3. This game marks the final non-conference tune-up for both programs. NJIT opens America East Conference action on Jan. 1 at UMBC. Delaware State begins MEAC play on Jan. 3 against Coppin State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Monday.