‘ Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams picked up much needed wins over Thanksgiving break. On Black Friday, the ladies hosted the Air Force Colonials, and the men followed suit Saturday afternoon, welcoming the NJIT Highlanders to Pritchard Gymnasium.

Behind a season high 20 points from junior forward Kirsten Jeter, the ladies coasted against Air Force. Trying to steer the ship and get in the win column for the first time in this young season, the squad relied on both tough defense and better offensive execution to pull out the 72-60 win. Various Seawolves scored in double figures, with freshman guard Sam Landers recording a career high 10 points and junior guard Misha Horsey racking up 11. The home team was stingy defensively, forcing an astounding 31 turnovers and keeping the Colonials to just 29 percent shooting in the first half. Despite a late Air Force rally, the ladies managed to hold on and win by the comfortable 72-60 margin.

A career-high 25 points from sophomore guard Bryan Dougher carried the men past NJIT. The game was the team’s first since the tough loss to Rhode Island last week, and the Seawolves bounced back nicely for the 60-46 win. Dougher, who also matched his career-high with 8 boards, was not the only one to reach a personal best. Sophomore center Dallis Joyner tied his career high in rebounds with 9, and sophomore forward Tommy Brenton picked up a career-best 5 steals. The game was close throughout the first half and most of the second, but the Seawolves managed to pull away towards the end for the 60-46 win. Now standing at 4-1, the men are off to their best start since the 1993-94 season.

The home wins are clutch for both teams, as they hit the road for their next matchups. The men are back in action first, heading to Lehigh for a date Monday evening. The women have more of a breather, not taking the court again until Wednesday evening at Monmouth. Both tip offs are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.