NEWARK, N.J. – New Haven Men's Basketball lost a tightly-contested game on the road to NJIT on Wednesday night, 70-64. Jabri Fitzpatrick (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) finished with a game-high 20 points.

New Haven had a strong start to the game, shooting 46.9% (15-32) in the first half. Despite the good start, it faced a three-point deficit heading into the locker room, 36-33.

The shooting in the second half regressed to 30.3% (10-33), and points were left on the board after it went just 57.9% (11-19) from the free-throw line.

Despite the tough second half shooting, New Haven held an edge in the hustle points department, as it out scored NJIT 12-2 in points off turnovers, 13-4 in second-chance points, and 42-24 in points in the paint. The Blue & Gold also out rebounded the Highlanders 41-35.

Fitzpatrick's 20 points were followed by Stefano Faloppa's (Portogruaro, Italy/Holy Cross Prep) 13. Najimi George (Bridgeport, Conn./Kolbe Cathedral) was the only other Charger to finish in double figures. Fitzpatrick pulled down 10 rebounds, securing himself his first double double of the season in 38 minutes of work. The junior guard also finished with five steals.

New Haven will now turn its attention to Fordham University, as it will travel to New York, N.Y. on Monday, Dec. 22, for an 11:00 a.m. matchup with the Rams.