NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Bryce Johnson's 28 points helped UMBC defeat NJIT 87-64 on Thursday night in a game that saw the Retrievers come out strong and never look back.
The Retrievers were on fire from the opening tip, with Johnson leading the charge. His 28 points came on a combination of powerful dunks, clutch three-pointers, and smart drives to the basket.
NJIT struggled to contain Johnson, who seemed to be everywhere on the court at once. Despite their best efforts, the Highlanders just couldn't keep up with the speedy Retrievers.
UMBC's victory was a testament to their teamwork and strategy. The Retrievers moved the ball well, finding open teammates and making smart passes to set up easy scoring opportunities.
NJIT, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. They turned the ball over repeatedly, allowing UMBC to capitalize on their mistakes and build a substantial lead.
By halftime, the Retrievers were up by double digits, and NJIT never managed to close the gap. Despite a few brief moments of hope, the Highlanders were ultimately unable to overcome UMBC's strong defense and potent offense.
Johnson's performance was the highlight of the night, but he wasn't the only Retriever to have a big game. Several of his teammates also stepped up, making crucial shots and plays to help secure the win.
The victory is a major boost for UMBC, who are looking to make a push in their conference standings. With Johnson leading the way, the Retrievers are a team to watch in the coming weeks.
NJIT, on the other hand, will need to regroup and refocus after the tough loss. They'll be looking to bounce back in their next game, but for now, they're left to ponder what might have been.