Pennsylvania Quakers Dominate NJIT Highlanders in Convincing Win
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · The Palestra
Pennsylvania Quakers 80, NJIT Highlanders 61, 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 NJIT Highlanders vs Pennsylvania Quakers?
Pennsylvania Quakers beat NJIT Highlanders 80-61 at The Palestra on December 31, 2025.
Who was favored in NJIT Highlanders vs Pennsylvania Quakers?
Pennsylvania Quakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1450 (about 94% implied). The favorite won.
The Pennsylvania Quakers secured a decisive victory over the NJIT Highlanders, finishing the game with a score of 80-61 at The Palestra. This matchup was significant as it showcased the Quakers' ability to bounce back after a two-game losing streak, while the Highlanders aimed to build on a recent win against SUNY Canton.
In terms of recent form, the Quakers had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, with an average of 74.3 points scored and 77.6 points allowed. Their last five games indicated a struggle, as they averaged just 69.0 points while conceding 78.4 points per game. They had been particularly strong at home with a record of 4-1, but their last two outings resulted in losses, including a narrow defeat to George Mason Patriots just days before this game. Conversely, the Highlanders had a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, averaging 62.0 points scored and 81.1 points allowed. Their recent win against SUNY Canton marked a brief respite from a challenging stretch that included a series of heavy defeats. NJIT's away form was notably poor, with an 0-7 record on the road.
The previous meeting between these teams took place on November 5, 2024, where the Quakers edged out the Highlanders 58-57 in a tightly contested game. This history added an element of rivalry to the matchup, but the Quakers were clearly the stronger side on this occasion.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, indicating that both squads were likely at full strength for this contest. This allowed for a competitive atmosphere, as both teams fielded their best lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Quakers as heavy favorites with a spread of -14.5 and a moneyline of -1450. The total for the game was set at 151.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
The conditions at The Palestra were conducive to a spirited game, with the home crowd rallying behind the Quakers. Fans were treated to a display of offensive prowess from the Quakers, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays that highlighted the Quakers' offensive depth. Notable contributions came from players like Augustus Gerhart, who made pivotal shots, including a three-pointer that helped extend the lead to 75-59. The Quakers' ability to execute in critical moments was evident as they maintained control throughout the second half, ultimately leading to a comfortable victory.
Overall, this game illustrated the Quakers' potential as they look to improve their season record, while the Highlanders will need to regroup after a tough loss. The final score of 80-61 not only reflects the Quakers' dominance but also sets the stage for future matchups as both teams continue their respective journeys in the NCAAB season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PENN -14.5 | 151.5 o -108 / u -112 | NJIT Highlanders +850 · Pennsylvania Quakers -1450 |
Leaders
- PointsMichael Zanoni23Pennsylvania Quakers
- AssistsTJ Power5Pennsylvania Quakers
- ReboundsTJ Power11Pennsylvania Quakers
- PointsDavid Bolden18NJIT Highlanders
- AssistsSebastian Robinson3NJIT Highlanders
- ReboundsJordan Rogers8NJIT Highlanders
Recent form
Pennsylvania Quakers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L274.3 scored · 77.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L79-83at George Mason PatriotsDec 28
- L69-70at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsDec 21
- W74-72vs Lafayette LeopardsDec 8
- L63-90at Villanova WildcatsDec 7
- L60-77vs Hofstra PrideNov 30
- W73-71vs La Salle ExplorersNov 29
- W77-65vs Merrimack WarriorsNov 28
- W84-68at Drexel DragonsNov 22
- W83-74vs Saint Joseph's HawksNov 18
- L81-106at Providence FriarsNov 12
NJIT Highlanders
Last 10: 2-8Streak W162 scored · 81.1 allowed per game0-7 away
- 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
- L70-86at Navy MidshipmenNov 22
- L43-75at Drexel DragonsNov 19
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 |
| Yale | 24-7 | - | 11-3 |
| Harvard | 17-12 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Pennsylvania | 18-12 | 2 | 9-5 |
| Cornell | 15-13 | 3 | 8-6 |
| Columbia | 16-12 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Dartmouth | 11-16 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Princeton | 9-20 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Brown | 9-18 | 8 | 3-11 |
Box score
| Stat | NJIT Highlanders | Pennsylvania Quakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-62 | 28-60 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 13-33 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 39 |
| Free throws | 10-12 | 11-19 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 58 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 27 |
| Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 26 |
| Fouls | 18 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 31 | 52 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-27Sebastian Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half33-29AJ Levine makes 18-foot jumper (Augustus Gerhart assists)
- 1st Half33-32Jay Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (TJ Power assists)
- 1st Half33-35AJ Levine makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half35-35Jordan Rogers makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-38Michael Zanoni makes 22-foot three point jumper (AJ Levine assists)
- 2nd Half35-41Lucas Lueth makes 26-foot three point jumper (TJ Power assists)
- 2nd Half35-44AJ Levine makes 25-foot three pointer (TJ Power assists)
- 2nd Half35-47AJ Levine makes 23-foot three point jumper (Augustus Gerhart assists)
- 2nd Half35-49AJ Levine makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-52Michael Zanoni makes 25-foot three point jumper (AJ Levine assists)
- 2nd Half37-52Sebastian Robinson makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half37-53Lucas Lueth makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-55Augustus Gerhart makes layup
- 2nd Half39-55Jordan Rogers makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half39-58Michael Zanoni makes 24-foot three pointer (AJ Levine assists)
- 2nd Half42-58Cameron Piggee makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ari Fulton assists)
- 2nd Half42-61TJ Power makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lucas Lueth assists)
- 2nd Half44-61David Bolden makes 13-foot floating jump shot (Cameron Piggee assists)
- 2nd Half44-63AJ Levine makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half47-63Jordan Rogers makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half49-63Jordan Rogers makes driving layup (Cameron Piggee assists)
- 2nd Half49-65Lucas Lueth makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-66Augustus Gerhart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-66David Bolden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-66David Bolden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-67AJ Levine makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-68Augustus Gerhart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-69Augustus Gerhart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-71TJ Power makes layup (Jay Jones assists)
- 2nd Half52-71Quentin Duncan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-71Quentin Duncan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-71Jeremy Clayville makes driving layup (Jordan Rogers assists)
- 2nd Half55-72Augustus Gerhart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-72David Bolden makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-72John Kelly makes 2-foot dunk (Jeremy Clayville assists)
- 2nd Half59-75Michael Zanoni makes 26-foot three point jumper (Augustus Gerhart assists)
- 2nd Half61-75David Bolden makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-78AJ Levine makes 24-foot three pointer (Augustus Gerhart assists)
- 2nd Half61-80Augustus Gerhart makes 5-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Pennsylvania Quakers, below favours NJIT Highlanders.
Venue
- The PalestraPhiladelphia, PA
- Attendance1125
- OfficialsTim Kelly, Ed Corliss, Steven Perry Jr.
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