The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team defeated the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State University, 51-46, Wednesday night in an exciting game at Stratis Arena in Hackensack, NJ.  With the win, the Knights improve to 7-4 (2-0 NEC), while the Blue Devils fall to 6-3 (0-2 NEC).  The Knights' 2-0 conference record is the best NEC start for the program since 2001-02.  The four game win-streak is the longest since 2003-04.

Central Connecticut took the lead to start the game and held onto it through the majority of first half play.  With ten minutes remaining in the half, CCSU held the advantage 11-6.

The Knights increased their defense, holding the Blue Devils scoreless for eight minutes.  During this dry spell, the Knights were able to catch up and take the lead.  FDU maintained the lead for the final two minutes of the half, going into the break with a 21-19 advantage.

FDU was led by junior Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) (Orange, NJ/Orange) who had eight points, three rebounds and two steals in the first half.  Freshman Desiree Crawford (Aurora, Ontario/Cardinal Carter Catholic) (Ontario, Canada/Cardinal Catholic) added four points, while junior Esther Wallace (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) grabbed six rebounds for the Knights.

Although the Knights were outshot 30 percent (6-20) to 20 percent (7-35), FDU out-rebounded the Blue Devils, 27-16, and scored 12 points off turnovers in the first half.

The Knights carried their first half lead through the first eight minutes of the second half.  With 12 minutes remaining CCSU tied the score at 31 on a layup from Alexzandria Dowdy.  FDU and CCSU battled for the lead, each team holding the advantage twice between the 11 and eight minute marks.    

A layup from redshirt-freshman Danielle Pankey (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South) (Middletown, NJ/Middletown) with 8:57 remaining in the game gave FDU a 38-37 lead.  Behind strong showings from Laury, Pankey and senior Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) (Freehold, NJ/Freehold), the Knights maintained their lead to hold a 44-41 advantage with three minutes remaining.

The Blue Devils took back the lead with 1:27 to go on a three-pointer from Justina Udenze.  FDU responded quickly with a huge three-pointer from Wallace, bringing the score to 47-46 with 1:06 left. 

After Wallace picked up a defensive rebound, Laury extended the lead to 49-46 with 14 seconds remaining in the game.

Mayrose blocked the Blue Devil's three-point attempt with seven seconds remaining to give the Knights the final possession.  After a made free throw by Pankey, the Knights took the win, 51-46. 

"It was a gritty, tough win against a very good Central Connecticut team," said Head Coach Pete Cinella.  "Esther Wallace (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) came up big with a clutch three-pointer and Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) made big shot after big shot."

"Alannah Driscoll-Sbar (Northampton, MA/Northampton) (Northampton, MA/Northampton) had a very good defensive game," Cinella added.  "We hung in there when Central took the lead with one minute remaining.  It was a key victory for our team."

The Knights shot 45.8 percent from the field in the second half, bringing their total field-goal percentage to 30.5 for the game.  FDU out-rebounded the Blue Devils, 33-40, and scored 18 points off turnovers.

Laury led all scorers with 24 points, while Mayrose and Pankey each added seven.  Wallace recorded five points and seven rebounds, Driscoll-Sbar added six boards. 

The Knights are back in action on December 30 when they travel to Washington, D.C. to take on Howard University. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 pm.