NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — The Maine Black Bears built a large first-half lead and withstood a fierce comeback to defeat the NJIT Highlanders 74-70 in an America East Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Fleisher Athletic Center.

Maine led 37-29 at halftime and maintained a steady advantage despite NJIT’s 41-point second half. Sebastian Robinson scored 24 points for NJIT. TJ Biel led Maine with 21 points, supported by Yanis Bamba’s 14 and Logan Carey’s 11.

The Black Bears shot 53.3% from the field and 45% from 3-point range to secure the win. NJIT outscored Maine 14-4 off turnovers but shot just 39.3% overall. Maine improved to 3-14, while NJIT fell to 7-11.