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Villanova Basketball Opponent Capsule: NJIT Highlanders

We continue our exploration and introduction of Villanova's 2014-15 opponents. Up next, the NJIT Highlanders, the final game before the New Year's Eve Big East Tip-Off.

By Ryan Saccoman

Last Season: The NJIT Highlanders had a 13-16 record last season.

Last Meeting/All-Time Series: The Villanova Wildcats won the only other meeting with the Highlanders in 2012, defeating them 70-60 at the Pavilion.

Head Coach: Jim Engles is entering his 7th season as NJIT's coach. When Engles took over in the 2008-2009 season the Highlanders had a whopping 1 win, improving it to 15 wins in the next two seasons. In their defense, the school has only been Division I since the season before Engles took over the program. It is clearly all a work-in-progress.

Top Returners: Damon Lynn lead his team in scoring last season as a freshman with 17.2 PPG and a cool 77.8 FT%. Ky Howard will also return hoping to improve on his team-high 3.9 APG.

Key Losses: Jake Duncan, who provided 42.4% FG% off the bench, transferred to the Hampton-Sydney Tigers. Nigel Sydnor also transferred.

Key Additions: Vlad Shustov is the only new player from last season; a redshirt freshman.

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