The Fairleigh Dickinson women's basketball team defeated the Broncs of Rider University, 77-50, on Monday November 29 at the Stratis Arena in Hackensack, NJ.  With the win the Knights improve to 3-2 overall while Rider falls to 0-5. 

FDU took the lead early with two points from junior Erica McKeithan (Newport News, VA/Heritage) (Newport News, VA/Heritage).  The Knights followed with five points from Jasmyra Saunders (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Catholic) (Northampton, MA/Northampton), four points from Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) (Orange, NJ/Orange) and three from Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) on their way to a 14-0 lead.

The Knights never looked back adding 16 points from the free-throw line, sinking 16 buckets and shooting 51.6% in the first half.  FDU went into the break on top, 55-22.

The Broncs went on a small run adding four points at the beginning of the second half.  Mayrose responded with another two points, sparking the Knights once again. 

The second half saw 22 points from the Knights, enough to hold a 30-point lead through most of the half. 

The Knights capitalized on Rider's mistakes throughout the game, scoring 35 points off of 33 turnovers.  FDU also out rebounded the Broncs, 42-36 and had 40 points off the bench, all contributing to the Knight's success.  The Knights held the advantage through all 40 minutes.

FDU shot 43.1% from the floor and went 25-for-33 from the free-throw line.

The Knights were led by Mayrose who scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds in her first game back after a pre-season injury.  Laury added 15 for FDU while Saunders tallied a season-high 12 points.  Senior Jordan Sykes (Avalon, NJ/Holy Spirit) (Avalon, NJ/Holy Spirit) added eight points, five rebounds and four assists. 

"It was a very nice win verses an in-state rival," said Head Coach Pete Cinella. "We came out strong and everyone contributed.  Our focus is now on succeeding on the road."

The Knights are back in action Thursday December 2 when they travel to Stony Brook (2-2).  Tip-off at Stony Brook Arena is scheduled for 7:00 pm.