Preview: Albany Looks to Halt Skid Against NJIT in America East Clash

NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — The NJIT Highlanders, riding a strong season, will host the struggling Albany Great Danes in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Fleisher Athletic Center.

NJIT (13-7, 4-3 America East) aims to bounce back from a narrow 52-51 home loss to Maryland-Baltimore County last Thursday. The Highlanders’ success this season has been fueled by the dynamic play of guard Alejandra Zuniga, who is averaging 22.6 points over her last seven games. Zuniga erupted for 39 points in a win at UMBC on Jan. 1 and has scored 19 or more in five of those contests, establishing herself as one of the conference’s premier scorers.

Albany (11-9, 1-6) arrives mired in a six-game losing streak, all within conference play. Their most recent defeat was a 56-51 setback against New Hampshire on Saturday. Forward Gabriela Falcao, a key player for the Great Danes, contributed 9 rebounds and 4 assists in that loss. While her scoring has been inconsistent, Falcao remains a versatile defensive presence and contributor on the boards.

The Highlanders have shown potency, averaging 71.3 points per game during their recent seven-game stretch. Albany’s defense, which allowed an average of 60.8 points during its skid, will be tested by Zuniga and an NJIT offense that posted 78 points in a win at Bryant on Jan. 17.

Historically, the teams have split their last four meetings. This contest is the first of a regular-season series, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 19 in Albany, N.Y.

For Albany, breaking the streak will require finding consistent offense beyond Delanie Hill (15 points vs. New Hampshire) and Amaya Stewart (14 points). Containing Zuniga will be the primary defensive focus.

NJIT seeks to protect its home court and solidify its standing in the America East, while Albany desperately needs a conference win to reverse its January fortunes. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.