NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a dramatic, back-and-forth affair at Rose Hill Gym, the NJIT Highlanders edged the Fordham Rams in a non-conference women’s basketball showdown on Friday night.

The Highlanders improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Rams evened their record at 1-1.

The game was a tale of contrasting halves and explosive individual performances. NJIT built a commanding 14-point halftime lead, only to see Fordham storm back to take a brief lead in the fourth quarter before the Highlanders sealed the victory at the free-throw line.

NJIT established control with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Fordham 26-10 to turn an 18-16 first-quarter deficit into a 42-28 advantage at the break. The Rams responded with a surge of their own after halftime, winning the third quarter 23-15 to cut the deficit to six points heading into the final period.

Fordham’ comeback was fueled by a stellar performance from Alexis Black. The guard from Washington, D.C., poured in 30 points for the Rams, dishing out three assists and collecting three rebounds. Her scoring kept Fordham within striking distance throughout the second half.

However, NJIT had an answer in Olivia Kulyk. The Highlanders’ standout from Edinboro, Pennsylvania, delivered a game-high 25 points, adding six rebounds and a block in 36 minutes of action. Her scoring proved critical in stabilizing her team whenever Fordham made a run.

The fourth quarter saw multiple lead changes as the intensity escalated. Fordham’s relentless pressure finally paid off when they briefly grabbed the lead, but NJIT’s composure down the stretch was the difference. The Highlanders executed efficiently in the final minutes, with key baskets and crucial free throws to reclaim and secure the win.

NJIT’s victory was a collective effort. Marissa Gingrich of Mifflin, Pennsylvania, provided a strong all-around line of 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block. Alejandra Zuniga of Madrid, Spain, facilitated the offense with seven assists while also contributing 12 points and six rebounds.

For Fordham, Kaila Berry of Brooklyn, New York, was a force inside, tallying eight points, seven rebounds and a block. Emma Wilson-Saltos from the Bronx added 11 points and five rebounds, while Carryn Easley of Philadelphia chipped in seven points and five assists.

Statistically, the game was a battle of efficiency. NJIT shot 50.8 percent from the floor, connecting on 10 of 29 three-point attempts. Fordham shot 44.1 percent overall but were more effective from beyond the arc, making 6 of 16 attempts. The Rams held a significant advantage in assists, 11 to 6, and steals, 11 to 6, but were ultimately undone by 19 turnovers, one fewer than NJIT’s 20.

The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat’s ELO system, which had given Fordham an 83.80 percent probability to win on their home court.

NJIT will look to continue its unbeaten start when it hosts Wagner on Tuesday. Fordham aims to rebound quickly, returning to action at home against Saint Peter’s on Monday.