The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team defeated Northeast Conference opponent Quinnipiac, 55-52, in the final minutes of the game on Monday January 10 at Stratis Arena in Hackensack, NJ. With the victory, the Knights advance to 10-5 (3-1 NEC) on the season, while the Bobcats drop to 6-9 (3-1 NEC).
After Quinnipiac put the first two points on the board, the Knights went on a 6-0 run to take an early 6-2 lead. The Bobcats tied the game on a layup and two made free throws before going on a run of their own mid-way through the half.
The Bobcats' 11-0 run gave them a 14-18 lead with four minutes remaining in the half. Four points from junior Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) (Orange, NJ/Orange) and a made layup from senior Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) in the final two minutes of the half helped the Knights inch closer before the break. At halftime, the Knights trailed 22-26.
In the first half the Knights held the Bobcats to a 27.3 (9-for-33) field-goal percentage with a mere 11.1 percent from three-point range. The Knights shot 33.3 (8-for-24) percent from the field during the first 20 minutes.
The Knights came out strong in the second half, bringing the score within two points just four minutes into the half. Danielle Pankey (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South) (Middletown, NJ/Middletown) gave FDU the lead, 33-30, on a traditional three-point play followed by a steal and quick layup with 15:10 to go.
The Bobcats responded, tying the score at 34 with 11:40 remaining in the game. The Knights were able to adjust quickly, taking their biggest lead of the game on two made jump-shots from Pankey, two free-throws from Mayrose and a big jump-shot from junior Esther Wallace (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central). With eight minutes to go in the game the Knights led 42-35.
With help from five quick points from sophomore guard, Felicia Barron, Quinnipiac took a 44-45 lead. Laury battled for the Knights, giving them a 47-45 advantage off a three-pointer with 3:35 with just under four minutes to play.
The Bobcats took the lead once again before Pankey grabbed a steal and was fouled on the breakaway layup. She sank one free-throw to give the Knights a 51-50 advantage with 1:30 to go.
With under 30 seconds remaining Laury hit a clutch jump-shot to give bring the score to 53-52 in favor of FDU. With the Bobcats in possession, Pankey forced a turnover and was fouled. She sank two-of-two free-throws to end the game with a final score of 55-52.
The Knights were led by Laury and Pankey who had 17 and 13 points, respectively. Laury also had five steals.
Mayrose and Pankey led FDU on the glass, with seven rebounds. Senior Tara Kelly (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) had a career night topping personal bests in points and rebounds with six in each category. Kelly also had four blocks.
The Knights held Quinnipiac to a 28.1 (18-for-64) field goal percentage, while they shot 30.6 percent from the field. From three-point range the Bobcats made only 3-for-18 for a 16.7 percentage.
"This was a tough, hard-fought win," said FDU Head Coach Pete Cinella.
Cinella was pleased with the win, citing several key moments. "Mariyah had a big shot with under a minute to go, Pankey played tremendous defense and Tara Kelly (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) was huge with an all-around great performance."
The Knights hit the road for four consecutive away contests beginning this weekend. FDU will play at St. Francis PA on Saturday, January 15 in a men's/ women's double-header starting at 4 pm before taking on Robert Morris on Monday, January 17.
