NCAAB · Final

NJIT Highlanders Edge Vermont Catamounts in Thriller

Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · Patrick Gymnasium

NJIT Highlanders 79, Vermont Catamounts 77, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won NJIT Highlanders vs Vermont Catamounts?

NJIT Highlanders beat Vermont Catamounts 79-77 at Patrick Gymnasium on January 31, 2026.

Who was favored in NJIT Highlanders vs Vermont Catamounts?

Vermont Catamounts were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1450 (about 94% implied). The underdog won.

In a gripping contest at Patrick Gymnasium, the NJIT Highlanders triumphed over the Vermont Catamounts with a final score of 79-77. This victory marks a significant moment for NJIT, as they have now secured their first win against Vermont this season, breaking a two-game losing streak in their head-to-head meetings.

The Highlanders entered the game with a record of 11-12, while the Catamounts held a slightly better record at 14-9. Vermont had been enjoying a solid run, boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten games, with an average of 70.8 points scored per game and allowing 65.9. Their recent form included a three-game winning streak prior to this matchup, highlighted by a 64-55 victory against UMBC just a day before.

In contrast, NJIT had a record of 6-4 in their last ten outings, averaging 73.4 points scored while allowing 73.0. They came into this game off a win against UAlbany, where they scored 77 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities. The Highlanders had been performing well on the road, holding a 3-3 away record in their last six games, while Vermont had a strong home record of 4-1 in their last five home games.

The matchup was particularly interesting due to the previous encounters between the two teams. Vermont had won both of their earlier meetings in the 2025 season, first at home with a score of 68-64 and then away with a score of 71-61. However, NJIT's victory in this game suggests a shift in dynamics as they continue to improve.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing for either team, which meant both sides were likely to field their strongest lineups. This absence of injury concerns allowed for a more competitive game, as both teams aimed to assert their dominance on the court.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Vermont favored by 13.5 points, with a total set at 139.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Vermont's home advantage, but NJIT's performance in this game certainly challenged those expectations, demonstrating their resilience and ability to compete against the odds.

Conditions in the gym were standard for a mid-season college basketball game, with both teams facing the usual pressures of a competitive environment. Fans witnessed a thrilling second half where the lead changed multiple times, highlighting the intensity and stakes of the matchup.

As the game unfolded, key moments included crucial free throws from David Bolden, who contributed significantly to NJIT's late-game scoring. His free throws pushed the Highlanders' lead to 79-74, before Vermont's Sean Blake responded with a three-pointer that brought the score to 79-77. The closing moments were filled with tension as Vermont attempted to equalize, but ultimately fell short.

Viewers should have noted the strategic plays and adjustments made by both coaches, particularly in the second half, where NJIT's ability to execute under pressure proved decisive. The Highlanders' victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for an interesting remainder of the season as they look to build on this momentum.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	UVM -13.5	139.5 o -112 / u -108	NJIT Highlanders +850 · Vermont Catamounts -1450

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsSean Blake23Vermont Catamounts
AssistsSean Blake4Vermont Catamounts
ReboundsSean Blake8Vermont Catamounts
PointsSebastian Robinson22NJIT Highlanders
AssistsDavid Bolden7NJIT Highlanders
ReboundsAri Fulton11NJIT Highlanders

Recent form

Vermont Catamounts

Last 10: 7-3Streak W370.8 scored · 65.9 allowed per game4-1 at home

W64-55vs UMBC RetrieversJan 30
W62-52at Bryant BulldogsJan 24
W77-68at UMass Lowell River HawksJan 22
L68-75at UAlbany Great DanesJan 19
W67-62vs Maine Black BearsJan 16
W60-59vs Binghamton BearcatsJan 9
W80-61at New Hampshire WildcatsJan 3
L69-75at Princeton TigersDec 30
L78-83vs Iona GaelsDec 20
W83-69vs Siena SaintsDec 18