New Jersey IT: Highlanders Near Total Imperfection

Highlanders Near Total Imperfection: Memphis’ run at a perfect season is getting all the headlines, but New Jersey IT is one loss away from completing its own perfect season — losing every game. The provisional Division I squad lost 96-78 at Longwood tonight, leaving Saturday’s game at Utah Valley State as the Highlanders’ last stand. In this season of futility, the Highlanders have lost 26 games by at least 10 points. The closest they have finished is nine points twice, to Lehigh and Stony Brook. New Jersey IT struggles at all phases of the game, shooting 35.5 percent from the field, 28.1 percent from long distance and 61 percent from the free throw line. The team averages more than 20 turnovers per game. Utah Valley State is 10-14 and beat the Highlanders by 12 Feb. 2. Savannah State was the last D-I team to finish the season without a win, completing the feat in 2005. [2/18/08]