The Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball team snapped a season-high nine-game losing streak by defeating Houston Baptist, 75-64, Monday night at Stratis Arena in Hackensack. The Knights took the lead for good at 25-24 with 6:21 to go in the first half. With the victory, the Knights improve to 4-12 on the season, while the Huskies fall to 1-16 overall.
Four Knights scored in double-figures. Junior Briahn Smith (Detroit, MI/Madison) (Detroit, MI) led the way with a career-high 18 points, while knocking down a career-best four three-point baskets on nine attempts. Senior Mike Scott (Philadelphia, PA/Texas Christian) (Philadelphia, PA) added 14 points and dished out a game-high five assists. Seniors Kamil Svrdlik (Prerov, Czech Republic/Gymnazium Zlin) (Prerov, Czech Republic) and John Galvin (Weston, CT/Weston) (Weston, CT) each recorded double-doubles as they both ripped down a career-high 16 rebounds and scored 13 and 11 points, respectively. Svrdlik also tied a career high with four blocked shots.
FDU jumped out to an early 8-4 lead before HBU scored the next five to take a 9-8 lead.
Both teams went back-and-forth until Scott's two free throws put the Knights up for good, 26-24, with 6:21 remaining in the first half.
Scott's free throws triggered a 14-0 run for the Knights, and Galvin's layup gave the squad their largest lead of the game, 38-24, with 3:46 remaining in the first half.
The Huskies were able to cut the lead to 40-31 heading into halftime.
In the second half, FDU led anywhere from eight to 10 points most of the way. HBU was able to cut the lead to six on three occasions.
With the score 56-50, Smith scored four straight points to give the Knights a 60-50 cushion with 9:31 remaining in the game.
After the Knights were able to extend their lead back to 11, the Huskies once again cut the lead to six with 2:17 left in the contest. However, the Knights were able to make enough free throws down the stretch to hang on for the 75-64 win.
FDU shot 43.4 percent (23-of-53) from the field, including 44.4 percent (8-of-18) from behind-the-arc, while holding HBU to 35.3 percent (24-of-68) from the floor and 23.5 percent (4-of-17) from three-point range.
The Knights manhandled the Huskies on the boards, 52-31, including 17 on the offensive glass. The 52 rebounds are the most in the history of the Knights' program. It was the first time FDU has had 50 rebounds in a game since they had 50 versus Monmouth in 2004.
Despite the win, the Knights still turned the ball over 19 times, while forcing 10 turnovers. However, they dished out 15 assists as a team.
"Our big men played outstanding tonight," said Head Coach Greg Vetrone. "John (Galvin) and Kamil (Svrdlik) each grabbing 16 rebounds was phenomenal. Briahn Smith (Detroit, MI/Madison) played a great game tonight. He made some early baskets that were key for us in the game. It was great to finally get a win."
Andrew Gonzalez led HBU with 15 points. Terry Bembry added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Michael Moss chipped in 10 points.
The Knights return to action on Thursday, Jan. 20, when they travel to Smithfield, RI to take on a hot Bryant squad in NEC action. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.
