CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — A surging NJIT women’s basketball team will look to extend its winning ways when it visits struggling Maryland-Baltimore County to open America East Conference play on New Year’s Day. The Highlanders (9-4) enter Thursday’s contest at the Retriever Activities Center having won three of their last four, including a 75-62 road victory at Delaware State on Monday. The Retrievers (4-7) have lost two straight and five of their last six heading into the conference opener. NJIT’s success has been fueled by a balanced attack, led by guard Marissa Gingrich. The standout is averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists over her last three games, including a 17-point, 8-rebound performance against Delaware State. She is complemented by forward Olivia Kulyk, who posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds in the same game. UMBC will counter with guard Jade Tillman, its most consistent offensive threat. Tillman is averaging 15.7 points over her last three contests, highlighted by a 19-point outing in a win over Morgan State on Dec. 6. She will need support from a team that has struggled to find consistent scoring outside of its recent losses to American and Loyola Maryland. The Highlanders have shown offensive firepower, scoring 70 or more points in six victories this season. Their defense, however, will be tested by a Retriever squad playing its first home game since Nov. 30. UMBC is 2-2 at home this season. This matchup marks the beginning of the league schedule for both programs. NJIT will aim to establish an early conference road win before hosting Binghamton on Saturday. UMBC seeks to right its season before a challenging two-game road trip to Maine and New Hampshire next week. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Catonsville.