The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team defeated the Bison of Howard University, 45-44, in a thriller at Burr Gymnasium on Thursday, December 30. With the win, the Knights improve to 8-4 (2-0 NEC), while the Bison fall to 3-10. The Knights' five-game win streak is the programs' longest run since the 1992-93 season.
The game began as a defensive battle, each team scoring only two points in first nine minutes. Howard took a brief four-point lead on a field goal and two made free-throws. Two layups from Esther Wallace (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) and a big three-pointer from junior Jenna Kowal (Brick, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) tied the game at six with 8:38 remaining in the half.
Each team battled for the advantage with seven lead changes and four ties between the seven minute mark and halftime. The Bison and the Knights were even with 21 a piece at the break.
In the first half, the Knights were led by junior Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) and Wallace, who each had four points. Juniors Jasmyra Saunders (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Catholic), Kowal, and Amy Longo (Pittsburgh, PA/North Catholic) each added three points. Senior Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) had two points and four rebounds.
The Knights outshot the Bison from the floor 34.8 percent to 29.2 percent during the first 20 minutes. FDU also out-rebounded their opponent, grabbing 19 rebounds, while Howard had 18.
The second half saw the same intensity with eight lead changes. It seemed that the Bison would maintain their lead when they held the advantage with three minutes remaining in the second half. The Knights responded with a big three-pointer from Laury, tying the game at 41 with 2:44 to go.
The last two minutes were an aggressive battle for the win, with no field goals made from either team.
With 47.8 seconds remaining Mayrose made two free-throws to give the Knights a 43-41 lead. Howard's Saadia Doyle kept the Bison's goal within reach on a made free-throw, bringing the Bison within one point with 28 seconds remaining.
Mayrose went back to the line and sank both free-throws to extend the Knights' lead to 45-42 with 25.4 seconds to go.
Howard was given the opportunity to tie the game but missed two three-pointers in a mix-up. Doyle sank two free-throws to bring the score to 44-45 with just 6.8 seconds left in the game.
The Bison gained possession in a scramble for the ball but missed the winning layup. The Knights won the defensive rebound to take the game, 45-44.
The Knights were led by Laury who totaled 11 points and four assists. Mayrose added eight points and nine rebounds, while Saunders and Pankey each added six points. Wallace led the Knights on defense, tying a career high with 10 rebounds.
The Knights are back in action January 3 when they return to the Rothman Center to host cross-state rival, NJIT. Tip-off against the Highlanders is slated for 7:00 pm.
