UMBC Dominates NJIT in Convincing Win
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center
UMBC Retrievers 91, NJIT Highlanders 52, 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 UMBC Retrievers vs NJIT Highlanders?
UMBC Retrievers beat NJIT Highlanders 91-52 at Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center on March 3, 2026.
Who was favored in UMBC Retrievers vs NJIT Highlanders?
UMBC Retrievers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the UMBC Retrievers triumphed over the NJIT Highlanders with a final score of 91-52. This game showcased the Retrievers' dominance, particularly as they extended their winning streak to nine games, while the Highlanders suffered their fourth consecutive loss. The game took place at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center, where UMBC continued to assert their superiority in the league.
UMBC entered the game with a strong record of 21-8, showcasing their excellent form with a recent record of 9-1 over their last ten games. They averaged 73.9 points scored per game while allowing just 61.4 points. In contrast, NJIT's record stood at 15-16, and they had struggled recently, posting a 6-4 record in their last ten games, with an average of 70.6 points scored and 70.0 points allowed. The Highlanders' recent form had been particularly troubling, as they had lost their last three games, including a 52-69 defeat to the Bryant Bulldogs just days prior.
The home and away performances further highlighted the disparity between the teams. NJIT had a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while UMBC was undefeated in their last five away games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure on the road. This matchup also marked the fourth consecutive victory for UMBC over NJIT in their head-to-head meetings, with the Highlanders yet to secure a win against them in three previous encounters this season and last.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, indicating that both teams may have been at full strength for this contest. The betting market reflected UMBC's strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 4.5-point favorites, indicating a clear expectation of their performance. The total points line was set at 143.5, suggesting an anticipated scoring pace that ultimately fell short as the teams combined for only 143 points.
As the game progressed, UMBC's offensive efficiency was evident, with players like Saahil Thakkar contributing significantly, including a notable 27-foot three-pointer. The Highlanders struggled to keep pace, particularly in the second half, where they managed to score only 22 points compared to UMBC's 46. The final minutes saw UMBC solidifying their lead with a series of free throws, further emphasizing their control over the game.
Fans watching the game would have noted the stark contrast in team dynamics, with UMBC's cohesive play and defensive pressure overwhelming NJIT. The Highlanders' inability to respond effectively to UMBC's offensive onslaught highlighted their current struggles in the league. Overall, the game served as a testament to UMBC's strong season and their potential as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UMBC -4.5 | 143.5 o -110 / u -110 | UMBC Retrievers -205 · NJIT Highlanders +170 |
Leaders
- PointsSebastian Robinson10NJIT Highlanders
- AssistsSebastian Robinson1NJIT Highlanders
- ReboundsJordan Rogers10NJIT Highlanders
- PointsDJ Armstrong Jr.14UMBC Retrievers
- AssistsAce Valentine6UMBC Retrievers
- ReboundsRiley Jacobs7UMBC Retrievers
Recent form
NJIT Highlanders
Last 10: 6-4Streak L370.6 scored · 70 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L52-69at Bryant BulldogsFeb 28
- L64-70vs Vermont CatamountsFeb 22
- L63-81vs UAlbany Great DanesFeb 20
- W67-58at Maine Black BearsFeb 14
- W76-70at New Hampshire WildcatsFeb 12
- W73-64vs Binghamton BearcatsFeb 7
- W81-56vs UMass Lowell River HawksFeb 6
- W79-77at Vermont CatamountsJan 31
- W77-68at UAlbany Great DanesJan 29
- L74-87at UMBC RetrieversJan 22
UMBC Retrievers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W873.9 scored · 61.4 allowed per game4-1 away
- W84-60at UMass Lowell River HawksFeb 28
- W70-58vs Bryant BulldogsFeb 26
- W66-62vs UAlbany Great DanesFeb 21
- W75-62vs Vermont CatamountsFeb 19
- W85-63at New Hampshire WildcatsFeb 14
- W78-62at Maine Black BearsFeb 12
- W79-62vs Binghamton BearcatsFeb 5
- W68-65at UAlbany Great DanesFeb 1
- L55-64at Vermont CatamountsJan 30
- W79-56vs UMass Lowell River HawksJan 24
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 | UMBC Retrievers | NJIT Highlanders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-65 | 18-56 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 12-27 | 4-26 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 15 |
| Free throws | 13-17 | 12-17 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 18 |
| Assists | 16 | 7 |
| Steals | 13 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 29 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 20 |
| Fouls | 17 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 42 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 95 | 4 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-29Sebastian Robinson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-30Melvyn Ebonkoli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-32Sebastian Robinson makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half53-32Riley Jacobs makes layup
- 2nd Half55-32Caden Diggs makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half57-32Jah'Likai King makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-32Jah'Likai King makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-32Josh Odunowo makes 5-foot dunk (Cougar Downing assists)
- 2nd Half62-32Riley Jacobs makes 2-foot dunk (Caden Diggs assists)
- 2nd Half62-33David Bolden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-34David Bolden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-34Caden Diggs makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half65-34Jose Roberto Tanchyn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-34Jose Roberto Tanchyn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-34DJ Armstrong Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ace Valentine assists)
- 2nd Half70-34Ace Valentine makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-34Tim Eze makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half72-36Rocco Awad makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half73-36Paul Greene makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-36Paul Greene makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-39Quentin Duncan makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cameron Piggee assists)
- 2nd Half77-39Jake Stout makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half79-39Paul Greene makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-41Rocco Awad makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half81-41Paul Greene makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half81-43Rocco Awad makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half81-45Cameron Piggee makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Rocco Awad assists)
- 2nd Half82-45Riley Jacobs makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-45Riley Jacobs makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-45Jake Stout makes driving layup (Cougar Downing assists)
- 2nd Half87-45Tim Eze makes 4-foot dunk (Paul Greene assists)
- 2nd Half87-46Cameron Piggee makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-47Cameron Piggee makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-48Zack Scherler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-49Zack Scherler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-49Cougar Downing makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-50John Kelly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-51John Kelly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-51Saahil Thakkar makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half91-52John Kelly makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours NJIT Highlanders, below favours UMBC Retrievers.
Venue
- Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events CenterNewark, NJ
- Attendance460
- OfficialsGreg Evans, Michael Kitts, Steven Perry Jr.
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- UMBC Defeats NJIT 87-74 in NCAAB ShowdownJan 22, 2026