NEWARK, N.J. -- Anthony Tarke scored 21 points, capping an early 13-2 rally for the lead and NJIT never lost it, defeating South Carolina Upstate 98-87 on Saturday, winning its first Atlantic Sun Conference opener in the three seasons since joining the conference.

NJIT (8-8, 1-0) trailed 14-7 early when Shawndale Jones scored on a layup and a 3-pointer back-to-back, adding a free throw to convert a 4-point play, sparking the rally that put the Highlanders in the driver's seat.

Jones finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Reilly Walsh and Zach Cooks added 15 points apiece for NJIT. Mohamed Bendary contributed eight points, six rebounds and nine assists.

Jure Span and Ramel Thompkins led the Spartans (5-13, 0-1) with 16 points each while Malik Moore and Mike Cunningham scored 15 apiece.