SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive fourth-quarter defensive stand, the NJIT Highlanders secured a 68-63 victory over the Saint Thomas Tommies in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Schoenecker Arena.

The Highlanders, who led for the majority of the contest, saw a once-comfortable advantage vanish in the third quarter before locking down the Tommies in the final period to improve their record to 4-1. Saint Thomas, still seeking its first win of the season, fell to 0-4.

Marissa Gingrich was the offensive catalyst for NJIT, pouring in a game-high 22 points. Her backcourt partner, Allison Cannon, added 10 points and a team-high four assists. The Highlanders’ efficiency from the field proved critical, as they shot 55.3 percent on 26-of-47 shooting, compared to the Tommies’ 42.6 percent on 20-of-47.

Despite the loss, Saint Thomas was led by Savannah McGowan’s 14 points and a strong all-around effort from Alyssa Sand, who posted 12 points and seven rebounds.

The game opened as a shootout, with NJIT taking a narrow 22-21 lead after the first quarter. The Highlanders extended their lead slightly by halftime, heading to the locker room up 35-40. The third quarter, however, belonged to the Tommies. A 16-11 advantage in the period, fueled by a 9-2 run, saw them tie the game at 51 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a stark contrast to the game’s opening stages. NJIT’s defense clamped down, holding Saint Thomas to just seven points on 2-of-11 shooting from the floor and forcing five turnovers. The Tommies’ offensive rating of 88.9 for the game paled in comparison to NJIT’s 99.7, highlighting the defensive struggle.

While Saint Thomas won the turnover battle, forcing 20 and converting them into 27 points, they were plagued by inefficiency at the free-throw line, making only 16 of 25 attempts. NJIT, meanwhile, was nearly perfect from the charity stripe, sinking 10 of 11.

NJIT also dominated the interior, outscoring Saint Thomas 40-26 in the paint, a key factor in their high-percentage shooting night.

The victory gives NJIT momentum as they return home for a four-game homestand, beginning Wednesday against Saint Peter’s. Saint Thomas will look to break into the win column next Friday when they travel to face Alaska Anchorage.