NEWARK, N.J. -- Abdul Lewis had 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting and Anthony Tarke made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 16 seconds to help NJIT beat Kennesaw State 74-71 on Monday night after blowing a 21-point lead.

Tarke finished with 18 points and eight rebounds and Lewis also grabbed eight rebounds. Shawndale Jones added 10 points for NJIT (11-12, 4-4 Atlantic Sun).

NJIT scored the first nine points and added a 20-3 run that made it 31-10 with 7 1/2 minutes left in the first half. Tyler Hooker's 3 pulled Kennesaw State within 10 points at the break and James Scott scored seven points during an 11-2 run that gave the Owls (6-17, 2-6) their only lead, 46-45, with about 13 minutes to go. NJIT's Zach Cooks made two free throws that capped a 12-2 run and made it 62-52 and the Highlanders held on from there.

Scott led Kennesaw State with 22 points, Nick Masterson scored 16 and Anthony Wilson added 10 with a career-high 11 rebounds.