SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency, the NJIT Highlanders executed a methodical road victory over the Bryant Bulldogs, 78-65, in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Chace Athletic Center.

The Highlanders (13-6) never trailed, building a steady lead through consistent quarter-by-quarter production and stifling a Bryant (14-5) offense that entered with significant momentum. NJIT’s victory, projected by analytics as a 74.7% probability for the home team, was secured by a superior shooting performance and key plays from its star tandem.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the opening quarter, where NJIT established a tone Bryant could never fully overturn. The Highlanders raced to a 20-14 lead after one period, capitalizing on early defensive stands. The sequence that encapsulated the struggle for Bryant occurred midway through the first. After the Bulldogs’ Nia Scott won the opening tip, Bryant scored the game’s first five points. NJIT responded with a 15-0 run, fueled by the interior presence of Olivia Kulyk and disruptive defense.

During that run, Kulyk, a 6-foot-1 junior from Edinboro, Pennsylvania, was instrumental. She scored six consecutive points on a pull-up jumper and a driving layup, then swatted away a Mimi Rubino driving attempt on the other end. That block led to a transition opportunity and another Kulyk jumper, assisted by Alejandra Zuniga. The Bulldogs went scoreless for over four minutes, missing seven consecutive field goal attempts during the Highlanders’ surge, a drought from which they never fully recovered.

NJIT maintained its composure as Bryant attempted to rally. The Highlanders led 39-34 at halftime and extended the advantage to 59-47 after three quarters. Each time the Bulldogs threatened to cut the deficit to a single possession, NJIT answered, often through Zuniga’s slashing drives or Kulyk’s mid-range game.

The statistical disparity told the story of NJIT’s control. The Highlanders shot 49.1% from the field (27 of 55), while holding Bryant to a frigid 30.7% (23 of 75). From beyond the arc, both teams struggled, but NJIT’s ability to score inside proved decisive, matching Bryant’s 38 points in the paint despite attempting 20 fewer total shots. NJIT also operated more efficiently, posting an offensive rating of 104.4 points per 100 possessions compared to Bryant’s 80.2.

Kulyk finished with 23 points, two assists and three blocks in 28 minutes, continuing a strong stretch of play following a 22-point performance in a win over Massachusetts-Lowell on Thursday. Zuniga, a sophomore guard from Madrid, Spain, led all scorers with 27 points and added four assists in 35 minutes. Marissa Gingrich contributed 11 points and three assists for NJIT.

Bryant was led by Maranda Nyborg’s 19 points. Nia Scott added 11 points, but the Bulldogs could not overcome their poor shooting afternoon, connecting on just 4 of 23 three-point attempts.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Bryant in America East Conference play. The Bulldogs had been dominant in recent outings, including an 80-38 road win at UMass Lowell just a week prior. NJIT, meanwhile, has now won two straight conference games following a road loss at Maine.

Attendance was announced as 167 at the 2,600-seat Chace Athletic Center.

NJIT next hosts Maryland-Baltimore County on Thursday. Bryant travels to face Vermont next Saturday. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Newark, New Jersey, on Feb. 28.