NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a remarkable individual performance and contrasting team efficiencies, the NJIT Highlanders held off a persistent Drexel Dragons squad for a 73-66 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Fleisher Athletic Center.

Despite a career-high 35 points from Drexel’s Amaris Baker, the Highlanders used superior shooting and key defensive stops down the stretch to improve their record to 6-1. The Dragons, despite forcing 21 turnovers, fell to 4-2.

The game was a tale of two offenses. NJIT’s was ruthlessly efficient, converting 26 of 47 field goal attempts for a 55.3 percent clip, including 9 of 20 from beyond the arc. Drexel, by contrast, struggled with its shooting touch, making just 25 of 65 shots from the floor and a costly 11 of 22 from the free-throw line.

NJIT established an early lead and never trailed, closing the first quarter with an 18-10 advantage. The Highlanders maintained their composure as Drexel chipped away throughout the contest. The Dragons cut the deficit to a single possession on multiple occasions in the second half, but each time NJIT had an answer, often from Olivia Kulyk or Marissa Gingrich.

Baker, a 5-foot-7 guard from Philadelphia, was the engine for the Dragons, playing 40 minutes and adding 11 rebounds to her 35 points. Her scoring kept Drexel within striking distance, but she received limited support. Grace O’Neill contributed 7 points and 4 assists for the Dragons.

The Highlanders countered with a balanced and potent attack. Kulyk, a 6-1 forward from Edinboro, Pennsylvania, was a force inside and out, finishing with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Gingrich, a 5-7 guard from Mifflin, Pennsylvania, added 21 points, including several critical baskets in the fourth quarter to stifle Drexel rallies.

Ava Locklear recorded a double-double for NJIT with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Allison Cannon filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 4 assists, and a block.

While Drexel dominated the glass on the offensive end, securing 19 offensive rebounds to NJIT’s 8, and capitalized by scoring 38 points off Highlander turnovers, they could not overcome their own shooting woes and NJIT’s consistent offensive execution. The Dragons’ 14 turnovers were seven fewer than NJIT’s 21, but the Highlanders’ ability to score more easily in the half-court proved to be the decisive factor.

The announced attendance was 232.

NJIT will look to continue its strong start when it hosts Fairleigh Dickinson on Tuesday. Drexel will aim to rebound on the road against Saint Joseph’s next Saturday.