NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a tale of two offenses, the NJIT Highlanders used a blistering first-half shooting performance and weathered a relentless comeback attempt to defeat the Drexel Dragons 73-66 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Fleisher Athletic Center.

The Highlanders improved to 6-1 on the season, while the Dragons fell to 4-2.

NJIT’s offensive efficiency was the story of the first half, as they built a lead they would never fully relinquish. The Highlanders shot a scorching 62% from the field in the opening 20 minutes, consistently finding high-percentage looks against the Drexel defense. This sharp shooting propelled them to an 18-point first quarter and a 34-26 advantage at halftime.

Drexel, conversely, struggled to find its offensive rhythm early. The Dragons were plagued by missed opportunities, particularly at the free-throw line where they would finish the game a dismal 11 of 22. Despite forcing 21 NJIT turnovers and converting them into 38 points, Drexel’s own offensive execution, with an offensive rating of 93.7 on 70 possessions, was not enough to consistently close the gap.

The Dragons chipped away throughout the second half, outscoring NJIT in both the third and fourth quarters. A key factor in their comeback effort was a dominant performance on the offensive glass, where they hauled in 19 rebounds to NJIT’s 8, creating numerous second-chance opportunities.

However, every time Drexel mounted a charge, NJIT had an answer, often in the form of a critical basket to stem the momentum. The Highlanders finished the game shooting 55% from the floor and 45% from 3-point range, a level of efficiency that ultimately proved insurmountable for the visiting Dragons.

The individual matchup featured a spectacular duel between Drexel’s Amaris Baker and NJIT’s Olivia Kulyk. Baker, a 5-foot-7 guard from Philadelphia, was phenomenal in a losing effort, pouring in 35 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 40 minutes of action. Her scoring kept Drexel within striking distance throughout the contest.

Kulyk, a 6-foot-1 forward from Edinboro, Pennsylvania, was equally impressive for the Highlanders, countering with 24 points and eight rebounds. Her inside-outside versatility and efficient scoring were pivotal for NJIT.

The Highlanders also received significant contributions from their supporting cast. Marissa Gingrich of Mifflin, Pennsylvania, added 21 points, while Ava Locklear from Tiffin, Iowa, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three assists and a block. Allison Cannon from Holmdel, New Jersey, chipped in 10 points, four assists and a block, providing a steady hand in the backcourt.

For Drexel, Grace O’Neill of West Chester, Pennsylvania, facilitated the offense with four assists and added seven points, but the Dragons lacked the consistent secondary scoring needed to overtake the efficient Highlanders.

The game’s final minutes were a frantic back-and-forth. Drexel managed to cut the deficit to a single possession on multiple occasions, but NJIT consistently responded at the free-throw line, sealing the victory in the closing seconds.

The Highlanders look to continue their strong start when they host Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday. Drexel will aim to rebound on the road against Saint Joseph’s next Saturday.