Preview: NJIT Highlanders at UMass Lowell River Hawks

LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — The NJIT Highlanders look to solidify their position in the America East Conference standings when they visit the struggling UMass Lowell River Hawks in a women’s Division I basketball matchup Thursday night at Costello Athletic Center.

NJIT (13-9) enters the contest having lost three straight, including a heartbreaking 63-61 defeat to Vermont on Saturday. Despite the recent skid, the Highlanders have a significant edge in the conference and defeated these same River Hawks 68-57 in Newark on Jan. 15.

The Highlanders are led by dynamic guard Alejandra Zuniga, who is coming off a 27-point, five-rebound performance against Vermont. Over her last eight games, Zuniga is averaging 19.5 points and 4.1 assists, including a 27-point outing at Bryant and a 22-point game against Maryland-Baltimore County. Her playmaking will be central to NJIT’s offense.

UMass Lowell (6-16) seeks to end a seven-game losing streak, most recently a 92-42 road loss at Maine. The River Hawks have found wins scarce in conference play and rank near the bottom of the America East.

A key player for the home team is forward Tyanna Medina, who posted a double-double with seven points and 10 rebounds in the first meeting with NJIT. In the loss to Maine, she contributed 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Consistency from Medina and improved offensive production will be necessary for UMass Lowell to challenge the Highlanders.

The River Hawks will need to contain Zuniga and find an answer for NJIT’s supporting cast, including Olivia Kulyk, who scored 19 points against Vermont. UMass Lowell’s defense, which allowed 92 points in its last outing, faces a stern test against a Highlander team eager to return to the win column.

Thursday’s game tips off at 6 p.m. EST. Following this contest, NJIT travels to face Binghamton on Saturday, while UMass Lowell hosts Albany.