VESTAL, N.Y. – Sophomore forward Alyssa James scored 15 points and sophomore guard Imani Watkins finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, leading Binghamton (1-1) to a 54-50 win over NJIT (0-1) in a non-conference women's basketball game on Monday night at the Dr. Bai Lee Court at the Events Center. The game marked the Bearcats' home opener.
 
James nearly recorded her second straight double-double, finishing with nine rebounds. She also recorded a game-high three blocks. Defensively, she held Leah Horton, the Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Player of the Year, without a point.
 
Watkins, meanwhile, recorded the first double-double of her career as her 11 rebounds also represented her career high. She was 7-for-10 from the free throw line and dished out a team-high four assists.
 
"It feels really good to get the win," head coach Linda Cimino said. "We came into today knowing that we could win this game. I thought our defense was great and we didn't turn the ball over much. I am really pleased with our effort."
 
Trailing 18-14 with 7:37 left in the second quarter, Binghamton went on a 10-4 run to take a 28-22 lead with 1:20 left in the first half. Watkins capped the run with a three pointer. The Highlanders, however, got to within 28-24 at the half.
 
A key turning point in the game came with 7:57 left in the third period and the Bearcats clinging to a 28-27 lead. Horton's layup attempt was blocked by James, who also grabbed the defensive rebound. Horton was then whistled for a technical foul. From there, the Bearcats scored six of the next seven points to go up 34-28 with 5:39 remaining.
 
The Bearcats continued to protect their lead over the next period and a half. Up 51-48, they sealed the win on a three-point field goal by freshman guard McKayla Hernandez with 16 seconds left in regulation. Watkins dished out her final assist of the game on that play.
 
Olivia Dudley of NJIT tied Watkins for the game high with 15 points. Camerin Spahn added 14 points.
 
Binghamton turned the ball over just nine times during the game.
 
The Bearcats head to Bucknell on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. game.
 
NOTES: James is now averaging 16.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks over the Bearcats' first two games. Watkins is averaging 11.5 points.