Highlanders snap 16-year drought in Albany behind Alejandra Zuniga’s 25-point performance.
It was a roller coaster from start to finish.
The NJIT Highlanders secured a statement 70–64 road win over the UAlbany Great Danes on February 19, marking NJIT’s first victory against UAlbany since 2008 — and the program’s first win ever on the Great Danes’ home floor.
Alejandra Zuniga led the way with a game-high 25 points as NJIT capitalized on timely runs and UAlbany mistakes to complete the comeback effort.
First Quarter: UAlbany on Fire Early
UAlbany came out scorching.
The Great Danes opened the game trading three-pointers before quickly catching rhythm from beyond the arc. They connected on their first four attempts from deep and shot 50% in the opening six minutes. Multiple players knocked down shots, including #35, who hit early triples to set the tone.
Despite a few costly three-second violations that kept NJIT within reach, UAlbany controlled the pace throughout the quarter. Amaya Stewart closed the frame strong, going 3-for-3 in the post with physical, purposeful play.
UAlbany led 20–17 after a high-scoring first quarter.
Second Quarter: Momentum Shifts
The second quarter told a different story.
#35 opened the period with her second three-pointer, but UAlbany’s struggles at the free-throw line began to loom large. The Great Danes went scoreless from the line in the first half, finishing 0% from the stripe before halftime.
Meanwhile, NJIT played scrappy basketball and capitalized on mistakes. Delaney Hill (#33) knocked down a three, but the Highlanders responded with two key triples of their own to seize the lead.
Despite UAlbany shooting an impressive 55% from the field in the half, NJIT entered halftime with the advantage. The Great Danes scored 20 in the first quarter but managed just 10 in the second, allowing the Highlanders to flip momentum.
Third Quarter: NJIT’s Game-Changing Run
NJIT flipped the switch coming out of the break.
After leading 33–30 early in the half, the Highlanders opened the third quarter on an explosive 10–0 run — including an 8–0 burst in the first minute — stretching the lead to 41–30. UAlbany had no immediate answer.
Amaya Stewart finally stopped the bleeding four minutes into the quarter by attacking the basket. Shortly after, #35 drained another three to spark life back into the Great Danes.
Bella Stewart helped pull UAlbany within six with a series of baskets, and Amaya Stewart broke the team’s free-throw drought by knocking down two critical shots from the line. The Great Danes clawed within two late in the quarter as Stewart continued to dominate inside to close the period.
However, NJIT’s #34 continued to assert herself offensively, keeping the Highlanders in control.
By the Numbers
Team Stats
| Category | NJIT | UAlbany |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | 49.0% | 43.9% |
| 3FG% | 39.1% | 50.0% |
| FT% | 73.3% | 45.5% |
| Rebounds | 28 | 33 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
While UAlbany shot 50% from three-point range, the difference came at the free-throw line and in ball security. NJIT shot 73.3% from the stripe and committed five fewer turnovers — critical in a six-point game.
What It Means
This wasn’t just another conference win.
For NJIT, the victory marks a historic breakthrough — their first win over UAlbany since 2008 and their first ever in Albany. The Highlanders showed resilience, capitalized on momentum swings, and executed when it mattered most.
For UAlbany, the loss highlights the cost of missed free throws and turnover issues despite strong perimeter shooting and interior production from Amaya Stewart.
Player of the Game
Alejandra Zuniga – NJIT
Alejandra Zuniga delivered when it mattered most.
The Highlanders guard poured in a game-high 25 points and provided the offensive stability NJIT needed during critical momentum swings. Whether it was answering UAlbany’s perimeter shooting early or helping extend the third-quarter run that ultimately flipped the game, Zuniga played with poise on the road.
In a hostile environment where NJIT had not won since 2008, her scoring output set the tone for a historic victory. More importantly, she controlled tempo late, helping the Highlanders close out the 70–64 win with discipline and composure.
When NJIT needed a bucket, Zuniga delivered.
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