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Newark, NJ - The Wagner College men's basketball team will compete against America East member NJIT at the Joel & Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center on Saturday, December 14. Tip-off set for 4:00 pm on ESPN+.
 

About The Win Streak

Wagner has defeated MEAC members Coppin State and Maryland Eastern Shore in back-to-back games. Wagner took down Coppin State at home by a score of 65-52 before edging out the Hawks in Princess Anne, MD on Sunday, December 8, 63-61. Graduate student Ja'Kair Sanchez led the Green & White with 22 points and five rebounds against the Eagles before adding nine points and four rebounds against UMES. Junior R.J. Greene chipped in 14 against Coppin State before leading the Seahawks to a two-point victory against Maryland Eastern Shore with 18 points.

 

Greene Means Go

To go along with 16 points per game over his last two contests, Greene is averaging five rebounds and one steal across 23 minutes of gametime during Wagner's win-streak. Greene scored 13 of his game-high 18 points in the second half of Wagner's two point win at UMES. Greene provides a spark off the bench, shooting 18-27 from the free throw line in the Seahawks' last two matchups. The Bronx native has yet to eclipse 30 minutes played in a game this season, yet leads the Seahawks in points per game with 9.4. Additionally, Greene has added five rebounds, two assists, and one steal per game over the last two contests.


The Wagner DNA

Known for their defense, the Seahawks are tied with Big 12 member Cincinnati for ninth nationally in points allowed per game. Allowing only 58.9 points per contest throughout nine games this season, Wagner has allowed 56 points per game throughout its last four games, winning three of the four matchups. The Green & White are in the top 22% of the nation in forced turnovers per game with 14.44. Throughout the Seahawks' two-game win streak, their opponents are only averaging a success rate of 41% from the field.
 

Seahawks Amongst The NEC

The Seahawks give up 6.5 less points per game than any other member of the Northeast Conference (CCSU - 65.4). The Green & White also allows the least amount of rebounds to opponents in the conference with 31.3. Wagner has the largest rebound margin with 2.2 and is one of three teams  in the circuit with a positive number in that category.

Reliable As They Come

Senior guard Javier Ezquerra plays the most minutes in the NEC, averaging 35.2 minutes per contest. Ezquerra has scored at least eight points in eight of Wagner's games this season. During his four years as a Seahawk, the San Juan, Puerto Rico native has started in 68 of his 96 games on Grymes Hill.

The Series

Saturday's game marks the ninth all-time matchup between the two programs. The all-time series is tied with both programs having four wins each. Most recently, the Seahawks defeated the Highlanders on Staten Island by a score of 64-51 on November 25, 2023. In last season's meeting, Ezquerra scored 14 points and had four steals to help Wagner secure the home win.

Scouting The Highlanders

Sophomore guard Tariq Francis leads NJIT in points per game with 19.7. Francis has connected on 32 of his 98 three point attempts. Francis leads the Highlanders in assists per game with 3.75 while adding 4.1 rebounds per game. During last season's meeting with the Seahawks, Francis scored 17 points with the help of 10 free throw attempts. Graduate student forward Tim Moore Jr. leads NJIT with 5.7 rebounds per game while chipping in 10.1 points per contest. As a team, NJIT sits at 2-10, earning wins over Morehead State and Navy earlier this season. 

Next Up 

After Wagner's matchup with NJIT, the Seahawks will be back on Grymes Hill for a meeting with Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) member Manhattan on Wednesday, December 18. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.