NEWARK, N.J. – Junior Shawn Simmons II (Philadelphia, Pa.) scored 15 points, as the UMass Lowell men's basketball team (9-15, 4-5 AE) faced an 81-56 setback against the NJIT Highlanders (12-12, 7-2 AE) on Thursday night.

Simmons II, who was tied for the most points on the team, added six rebounds and a block. Junior Xavier Spencer (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) also added 15 points, while freshman Victor Okojie (Castlebar, Ireland) led the team with 11 rebounds on the night.

The River Hawks started the game strong, scoring on a layup by Simmons II on the opening possession. NJIT answered with a basket moments later, but a jump shot by junior Darrel Yepdo (Dracut, Mass.) over a leaping defender gave UMass Lowell an early 4-2 advantage. The Highlanders responded quickly, going on a 17-1 run, interrupted by a free throw by freshman Okojie to own a 19-5 lead midway through the first.

Getting his squad back on the board, Spencer connected on a jumper, but seven straight points by the opposition extended their lead. Looking to battle back, freshman JJ Massaquoi (Prince George's County, Md.) added his first basket before junior Khalil Farmer (Philadelphia, Pa.) sank a triple, but NJIT ended the half on a 14-3 run to own a 42-15 lead at the break.

Looking to start the second half strong, Simmons II sank a layup only 17 seconds into the half to get the offense started. The Highlanders answered back with a 5-0 burst, and although junior Angel Montas Jr. (La Romana, D.R.) added three of the next five points, two baskets by the hosts extended their lead. UMass Lowell, however, caught fire, using a 19-6 run, kick-started by five straight from Spencer, to cut the deficit to 59-39 with 8:23 to play.

Looking to pull off a comeback, the River Hawks added 15 points in the final five minutes, but the Highlanders added 14 of their own, sealing the 81-56 decision.

Next up, the River Hawks continue the road trip when they visit the UAlbany Great Danes on Saturday, February 7. Opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Broadview Center in Albany, N.Y.