PHILADELPHIA (AP) - R.J. Rutledge scored 13 points, and Yaniv Simpson hit a key 3-pointer with 40 seconds left as Monmouth defeated NJIT 55-47 in a consolation round game of the Philly Hoop Group Classic on Saturday.
Alex Nunner had 12 points and Simpson 11 for Monmouth (1-6), which snapped a six-game losing skid.
Paulius Skema had 13 points and 11 rebounds for NJIT (0-5), which lost its 38th consecutive game.
NJIT led 26-25 at the break, its first halftime lead this season, and trailed 49-44 with 2:10 left.
Jheryl Wilson hit a 3-pointer with 1:53 to go as the Highlanders closed to two points, but Simpson made the crucial 3-pointer and Nunner converted two free throws to seal the victory.
NJIT, in only its third season of Division I play, hasn't won since Feb. 19, 2007, at Longwood.
