NJIT Highlanders Edge New Hampshire Wildcats in Close Contest
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center
NJIT Highlanders 80, New Hampshire Wildcats 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New Hampshire Wildcats vs NJIT Highlanders?
NJIT Highlanders beat New Hampshire Wildcats 80-76 at Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in New Hampshire Wildcats vs NJIT Highlanders?
New Hampshire Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling NCAAB matchup, the NJIT Highlanders triumphed over the New Hampshire Wildcats with a final score of 80-76. This game was held at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center, showcasing two teams with struggling records looking to improve their standings. The Highlanders, now with a home record of 8-10, have shown resilience in their recent performances, while the Wildcats fell to 4-12 overall, continuing their challenging season.
The Highlanders entered the game with a record of 7-10 and had a recent form of 3-7 over their last ten games, including a win against the Binghamton Bearcats on January 3, where they scored 73 points. Their scoring average during this stretch was 64.1 points per game, while they allowed an average of 79.5 points. NJIT's last five games saw them record two wins and three losses, with an average of 66.0 points scored and 74.2 points allowed. In contrast, the Wildcats had a record of 4-11, with a dismal 2-8 record in their last ten games, suffering three consecutive losses leading into this fixture. New Hampshire averaged 63.5 points while allowing 75.8 points per game during their recent stretch.
Home-court advantage appeared to play a significant role in this game, as NJIT had a home record of 2-1 in their last three games, while New Hampshire struggled significantly on the road with an away record of 0-6. The Highlanders' ability to perform well at home contrasted sharply with the Wildcats' difficulties away from their home court.
The two teams had met previously in the 2025 season, splitting their two encounters. NJIT won the first meeting at home 64-59 on January 18, 2025, while New Hampshire claimed victory in the second meeting, winning 80-69 on February 8, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, with both teams eager to assert dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the overall performance of both teams suggested they were fielding their best available players for this crucial game.
The betting odds from DraftKings favored New Hampshire with a spread of 2.5 points, indicating that they were expected to perform better than their record suggested. The total points line was set at 137.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. The moneyline odds were +114 for NJIT and -135 for New Hampshire, further illustrating the market's slight preference for the Wildcats despite their struggles.
The game conditions were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans in attendance were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams battled for every point.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed critical scoring plays that defined the outcome. Notably, David Bolden made a significant impact for NJIT, hitting a crucial 26-foot three-point step-back jumper that brought the Highlanders ahead late in the game. His performance, alongside Rocco Awad's contributions, proved pivotal in securing the win. The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging leads, but NJIT ultimately held on to their narrow advantage.
In conclusion, the NJIT Highlanders' victory over the New Hampshire Wildcats was a testament to their determination and ability to capitalize on their home court. With this win, NJIT improved their record to 8-10, while New Hampshire continues to seek answers as they fall to 4-12. The game highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, where every matchup can be a turning point in a team's season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNH -2.5 | 137.5 o -112 / u -108 | New Hampshire Wildcats -135 · NJIT Highlanders +114 |
Leaders
- PointsDavid Bolden21NJIT Highlanders
- AssistsDavid Bolden4NJIT Highlanders
- ReboundsMelvyn Ebonkoli11NJIT Highlanders
- PointsComeh Emuobor18New Hampshire Wildcats
- AssistsKiJan Robinson4New Hampshire Wildcats
- ReboundsJohn Squire9New Hampshire Wildcats
Recent form
NJIT Highlanders
Last 10: 3-7Streak W164.1 scored · 79.5 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W73-65at Binghamton BearcatsJan 3
- L61-80at Pennsylvania QuakersDec 31
- W95-60vs SUNY Canton RoosDec 29
- L52-101at Butler BulldogsDec 22
- L49-65vs Sacred Heart PioneersDec 13
- W70-64vs New Haven ChargersDec 11
- L72-89at High Point PanthersDec 6
- L55-73at Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 28
- L47-104at Louisville CardinalsNov 27
- L67-94at Cincinnati BearcatsNov 25
New Hampshire Wildcats
Last 10: 2-8Streak L363.5 scored · 75.8 allowed per game0-6 away
- L61-80vs Vermont CatamountsJan 3
- L55-86at Nebraska CornhuskersDec 31
- L79-93at Saint Louis BillikensDec 21
- W59-58vs Stonehill SkyhawksDec 17
- W88-82vs Boston University TerriersDec 7
- L68-69at Dartmouth Big GreenDec 4
- L68-72at Fairfield StagsNov 30
- L47-59vs Brown BearsNov 26
- L66-98at Providence FriarsNov 19
- L44-61at George Mason PatriotsNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMBC | 24-9 | - | 14-2 |
| Vermont | 22-12 | 2 | 12-4 |
| NJIT | 16-17 | 4 | 10-6 |
| UMass Lowell | 15-18 | 5 | 9-7 |
| UAlbany | 11-21 | 7 | 7-9 |
| Maine | 8-24 | 8 | 6-10 |
| New Hampshire | 9-21 | 9 | 5-11 |
| Bryant | 9-22 | 9 | 5-11 |
| Binghamton | 8-23 | 10 | 4-12 |
Box score
| Stat | New Hampshire Wildcats | NJIT Highlanders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-52 | 27-65 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 8-19 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 40 |
| Free throws | 22-30 | 18-23 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 22 |
| Assists | 14 | 15 |
| Steals | 2 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 28 |
| Fouls | 19 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 57 | 40 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half49-41David Bolden makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-42David Bolden makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-42Comeh Emuobor makes layup (John Squire assists)
- 2nd Half52-42Belal El Shakery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Belal El Shakery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-44Quentin Duncan makes driving layup (Ari Fulton assists)
- 2nd Half53-47David Bolden makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half53-50David Bolden makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordan Rogers assists)
- 2nd Half53-52Rocco Awad makes layup (Jordan Rogers assists)
- 2nd Half53-53Ari Fulton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-54Ari Fulton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-56Rocco Awad makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-56Jack Graham makes 28-foot three point jumper (Comeh Emuobor assists)
- 2nd Half56-59Rocco Awad makes 25-foot three point jumper (Quentin Duncan assists)
- 2nd Half58-59Comeh Emuobor makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-59Comeh Emuobor makes layup (John Squire assists)
- 2nd Half61-59John Squire makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59John Squire makes layup
- 2nd Half63-60Melvyn Ebonkoli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-60Davide Poser makes 23-foot three point jumper (John Squire assists)
- 2nd Half66-62Ari Fulton makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half67-62Tyler Bike makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63David Bolden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Ari Fulton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-65Ari Fulton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65John Squire makes layup
- 2nd Half69-67Jordan Rogers makes layup (Ari Fulton assists)
- 2nd Half70-67R.J. Kennedy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-67R.J. Kennedy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-67KiJan Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-67KiJan Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Ari Fulton makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot (David Bolden assists)
- 2nd Half74-69KiJan Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69KiJan Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-72David Bolden makes 28-foot three point jumper (Rocco Awad assists)
- 2nd Half75-73David Bolden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-74David Bolden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77David Bolden makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half76-77Comeh Emuobor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-80Rocco Awad makes 28-foot three point jumper (David Bolden assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours NJIT Highlanders, below favours New Hampshire Wildcats.
Venue
- Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events CenterNewark, NJ
- Attendance220
- OfficialsMichael Palau, Ryan Corbett, Tom Deenan
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond