Preview: NJIT at Cincinnati

Cincinnati returns home Monday night looking to shake off a 74–64 setback against Louisville as it welcomes NJIT to Fifth Third Arena for a 7 p.m. tip on ESPN+ and 700 WLW. The Bearcats enter the matchup anchored by one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, ranking second nationally in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency and topping the Big 12 in blocks per game while holding opponents to just 35.9% shooting.

The biggest storyline for UC: the status of forward Baba Miller, who missed the final 10 minutes Friday with a hip issue. Even without him, the Bearcats saw Day Day Thomas and Shon Abaev finish with 12 points apiece, while Moustapha Thiam added 10 points and nine boards.

NJIT arrives in Cincinnati at 3–3 and trying to halt a two-game slide after falling 86–70 at Navy. The Highlanders struggled early as Navy shot over 60% in the first half, but they still produced balanced scoring with five players in double figures. Freshman guard Jeremy Clayville knocked down four threes on his way to 16 points, while Ari Fulton continued his strong start with another double-double (12 points, 13 rebounds). Sebastian Robinson added a season-best 12 points, and standout freshman David Bolden chipped in 10—all after halftime.

(Photo: NJIT Athletics)

Both Fulton and Bolden earned America East weekly honors on Nov. 17, underscoring the production NJIT is getting from its youthful roster—11 of the team’s 15 players are freshmen or sophomores. Bolden leads the Highlanders at 13.0 points per game along with a team-high 17 assists, while Fulton is averaging 12.5 points and 9.0 rebounds.

NJIT, led by third-year head coach Grant Billmeier, was picked to finish 8th in the America East preseason rankings and opened the year with a win at Fordham. The Highlanders have shown flashes of promise, but Monday brings its toughest defensive opponent yet as the Bearcats are currently forcing nearly 17 turnovers per game.

The expectation is that the Bearcats will respond quickly after Friday’s loss—especially if Miller is able to go.

NJIT SCOUTING REPORT

NJIT brings a young, high-energy group, but the numbers point to a team still searching for consistency on both ends.

Offense:
The Highlanders average 66.2 points per game, leaning heavily on perimeter shooting. They attempt a high volume of threes (152 in six games) and knock down 8.0 per game at 31.6%, making the long ball a central part of their attack. Overall shooting sits at 38.7%, so they often rely on free throws (15.2 makes per game) to keep pace.

Freshman guard David Bolden leads the way at 13.0 PPG, shooting .351 from deep and an elite .875 at the line. Sophomore forward Ari Fulton adds 12.5 points while providing needed interior scoring. Wings Jeremy Clayville (7.7 PPG) and Jordan Rogers (7.2 PPG) offer complementary perimeter production.

Rebounding:
NJIT struggles on the glass, getting out-rebounded by nearly seven boards per game (42.7 allowed to 35.8 grabbed). Fulton is the clear anchor inside, averaging 9.0 rebounds, but the rest of the rotation has been inconsistent in this area.

Ball Movement & Turnovers:
The Highlanders average 10.5 assists against 14.0 turnovers. Opponents have cashed in with 17.0 points off turnovers per game, an issue that has derailed NJIT in stretches. Ball security will be critical against pressure-heavy defenses.

Defense:
While NJIT blocks a solid 3.8 shots per game, the defense allows opponents to shoot 39.7% overall and score 73.5 PPG. Teams have found success on the boards and in transition off turnovers. The Highlanders generate just 5.2 steals per game, limiting easy run-outs the other way.

Key Personnel Notes:

• Bolden: Leading scorer, top playmaker (15 assists), primary shot creator.

• Fulton: Double-double threat, team’s most consistent rebounder and most efficient inside finisher (.407 FG).

• Clayville: High-volume three-point shooter (10-of-31 from deep).

• Rogers: Reliable secondary option, shooting a team-best .457 from the floor.

• Rocco Awad: Bench spark who shoots 37% from three.