LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — The NJIT Highlanders built a large early lead and withstood a rally to defeat the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks 69-60 in a women’s basketball game Thursday night at Costello Athletic Center.

NJIT led 33-29 at halftime after a strong first quarter and secured the America East Conference win despite 21 points from the River Hawks’ Jaini Edmonds. Nia Chima and Tyanna Medina each added 12 points for Massachusetts-Lowell.

The Highlanders improved to 14-9 overall. The River Hawks fell to 6-17. NJIT completes a regular-season sweep after also winning the Jan. 15 meeting.