The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team dropped a close game to Northeast Conference foe Bryant University, 62-58, on Monday, January 24 at Chace Athletic Center in Smithfield, Rhode Island. With the loss, the Knights fall to 10-9 (3-5 NEC) on the season, while the Bulldogs improve to 6-13 (3-5 NEC).
After scoring on the opening possession, Bryant took a quick 5-0 lead in the first minute of play. With help from eight early points from Bryant senior, Siamone Bennett, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 11-3, just three minutes into the game.
The Knights held the Bulldogs scoreless for 11 minutes while scoring 15 points to take the lead, 11-18, midway through the half.
Although the Knights made just one field goal during the final 12 minutes of the half, they went 13-for-14 from the charity stripe to stay in the game. Bryant pulled away with a small lead with less than three minutes remaining on a Courtney Schlissler three pointer. At the break, the Bulldogs held the advantage, 29-25.
In the first 20 minutes, the Knights were led by junior Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) who had 11 points including 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. Laury also recorded two assists and four steals. Junior Jasmyra Saunders (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Catholic) added four points for the Knights.
Both teams came out strong after the break, each looking for the lead through the second half. Bennett added another eight points for the Bulldogs, increasing their lead to a game-high nine points midway through the second half.
The Knights chipped away at the Bulldogs' lead with help from strong performances from Laury and senior Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold). Mayrose sank a three with under eight minutes remaining to tie the game at 44.
FDU took a brief lead in the final minutes of the game but was met with resistance from Bryant. The Bulldogs went ahead at the two-minute mark on a layup from Danielle Douglas. After shooting 40.0 percent (6-for-15) during the first 39 minutes, Bryant went six-for-eight from the free-throw line in the final minute to take an eventual, 62-58, lead.
The Knights were led by Laury who tallied 26 points and six steals. Mayrose added 14 points for the Knights and led the team in rebounds with seven.
FDU was out-rebounded 55 to 38 and out-shot from the field 24.6 percent (14-for-57) to 39.3 percent (24-for-61).
The Bulldogs were led by Bennett who recorded her second double-double of season with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
The Knights will look to rebound as they return to the Rothman Center next weekend for a brief home stand. FDU will take on St. Francis NY on January 29 in a women's/men's double header at Stratis Arena. Tip-off is slated for 4:30 pm.
