Preview: NJIT Highlanders at UMBC Retrievers

CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — A pair of America East teams trending in opposite directions will meet Thursday when the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers host the NJIT Highlanders.

The Retrievers (10-7) enter the contest at the Retriever Activities Center having won four of their last five, including a convincing 78-60 road victory at Binghamton on Monday. UMBC sits above .500 and looks to solidify its standing in the conference race.

Meanwhile, the visiting Highlanders (9-11) have shown recent flashes, winning three of their last four, but consistency has been an issue. They are coming off a dominant 79-55 home win over Bryant, a performance they hope sparks a sustained run.

The matchup features two of the league’s top guards. NJIT will lean on Sebastian Robinson, who is averaging 21.1 points over his last seven games. The standout guard poured in 22 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the win over Bryant.

UMBC counters with Ace Valentine, a versatile playmaker who contributes across the stat sheet. In the win at Binghamton, Valentine posted 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. He is averaging 13.0 points and 4.8 assists over his last five contests.

The Retrievers have found success with balance. In Monday’s win, Jah’Likai King led all scorers with 21 points, while DJ Armstrong added 10 points and 2 blocks alongside Valentine’s all-around effort.

For NJIT, support for Robinson has been key. David Bolden added 17 points against Bryant, and Jordan Rogers distributed 4 assists. The Highlanders’ recent surge has coincided with improved offensive output, scoring 73 or more points in four of their last five wins.

UMBC holds a slim edge in the season series in recent years. The teams will meet again in the regular-season finale on March 3 in Newark.

Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST as both teams continue navigating the America East schedule. UMBC looks to protect its home court and maintain momentum, while NJIT aims to build on its latest victory and reach the .500 mark in conference play.