ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a critical America East Conference clash that defied pregame projections, the NJIT Highlanders executed a poised and gritty road performance to defeat the Albany Great Danes 70-64 on Thursday night at SEFCU Arena.

The victory avenged a 17-point home loss to Albany just three weeks prior and served as a significant momentum boost for NJIT as the conference season enters its final stretch. The Highlanders improved to 17-10 overall, while Albany fell to an even 13-13.

The most decisive phase of the game unfolded in the second quarter, where NJIT’s defensive intensity completely altered the contest’s trajectory. After a high-scoring first quarter that saw Albany take a 20-17 lead behind early three-pointers from Julia Palomo and Delanie Hill, the Highlanders locked down. They held the Great Danes to just 10 points in the second period, forcing a series of turnovers and contested shots. Albany’s offensive rating plummeted as they managed only four field goals in the quarter.

Simultaneously, NJIT’s offense, led by the steady backcourt duo of Alejandra Zuniga and Allison Cannon, maintained its efficiency. The Highlanders put up 16 points in the frame, turning the three-point deficit into a 33-30 halftime lead. This 16-10 quarter proved to be the pivotal scoring difference in a tight, six-point game.

Albany’s star forward Amaya Stewart, a force from West Reading, Pennsylvania, kept her team within striking distance throughout. She finished with a game-high 25 points on efficient interior shooting, adding two blocks. However, NJIT had a dynamic answer in Madrid, Spain, native Alejandra Zuniga. The 5-foot-9 guard matched Stewart’s 25 points, showcasing a versatile arsenal with three-pointers, drives to the basket, and crucial free throws down the stretch. Zuniga also contributed three assists, a block, and a steal in 30 minutes.

NJIT’s supporting cast delivered timely contributions. Allison Cannon of Holmdel, New Jersey, provided 16 points, two assists, and two steals, often capitalizing on Albany’s mistakes. Marissa Gingrich of Mifflin, Pennsylvania, added 10 points and three assists. The Highlanders’ interior defense was anchored by Olivia Kulyk of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, who recorded three blocks, and Ava Locklear of Tiffin, Iowa, who added two blocks to go with nine points.

Albany, which entered the game with a 74.5% probability of winning according to Interstat’s ELO system, struggled with consistency. While they shot a solid 50% from three-point range, making 9 of 18, they were hampered by 14 turnovers and a 5-for-11 performance from the free throw line. Martina Borrellas of Barcelona, Spain, orchestrated the offense with six assists but was pressured into six turnovers. Delanie Hill of Charlotte, North Carolina, scored 12 points.

The third quarter saw Albany briefly regain a lead, but NJIT responded each time, entering the final period ahead 48-49. In the fourth, Zuniga took over, scoring 11 of her points. With the Highlanders leading 62-60 inside the final two minutes, Zuniga hit a critical stepback three-pointer to push the lead to five. Albany could not mount a final rally, as NJIT sealed the game at the free throw line.

Statistically, NJIT’s efficiency told the story. They scored 70 points on just 62 possessions for an offensive rating of 112.7, while Albany managed only 64 points on 66 possessions, a 96.6 rating. The Highlanders also won the battle at the charity stripe, making 11 of 15 attempts compared to Albany’s 5 of 11.

A crowd of 1,081 watched as NJIT completed a regular-season split with the Great Danes. The Highlanders look to continue their push up the conference standings when they visit Vermont on Saturday. Albany, seeking to regain its footing, will host Maryland-Baltimore County on the same day.