The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team defeated the Highlanders of NJIT, 59-41, Monday January 3 at Stratis Arena in Hackensack, NJ. With the victory the Knights advance to 9-4 (2-0 NEC) on the season, while the Highlanders fall to 2-9. The six game win streak is the longest run for the women's basketball program since 1991.
The Knights and Highlanders battled for the lead through the first seven minutes of play before back-to-back three-pointers from senior Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) sparked a scoring frenzy. The Knights took a 25-12 lead on a 16-point run between 13:40 and 8:40.
The Highlanders came within seven points with 5:14 remaining in the half but it was not enough. The Knights went on a 9-0 run through the final minute of the half to take a 37-18 lead. A three-pointer at the buzzer for NJIT brought the score to 21-37 at the break.
In the first half, the Knights shot 53.8 percent (14-26) from the field, while the Highlanders shot 30.8 percent. FDU recorded more assists, ten to four, and out-rebounded NJIT 16-15, while also scoring 15 points off turnovers.
Junior Jasmyra Saunders (Trenton, NJ/Trenton Catholic) led the Knights during the first half with 10 points and four assists. Junior Esther Wallace (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) and Mayrose each added six points. Mayrose led the team with rebounds, grabbing three in the first 20 minutes of play.
The Knights maintained their lead throughout the second half with help from strong performances from Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) (Orange, NJ/Orange) and Wallace. Laury scored 10 points in the second half alone, while Wallace led the team from the paint, recording four blocks in the second half.
The Highlanders were able to come within 13 at the beginning of the second half with help from 6'2 forward Ivana Seric. Seric totaled 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Highlanders but it was not enough to catch the Knights' big lead.
FDU was led by double-digit performances from Saunders and Laury who had 12 and 15 points, respectively. Wallace added nine points for the Knights, while Mayrose had eight. Wallace led the team in rebounds with 10 and had four of the team's eight blocks; Erica McKeithan (Newport News, VA/Heritage) (Newport News, VA/Heritage) grabbed a season-high seven boards and had two blocks.
The Knights out-shot the Highlanders 39.3 percent to 22.4 percent from the floor, while out-rebounding NJIT, 42-38.
"We did a good job getting inside and moved the ball very well tonight," said Head Coach Pete Cinella. "It was our best passing game of the season and we continued to have a good defensive effort.
The Knights return to conference play Friday, January 7 when they host Sacred Heart. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 pm at the Rothman Center.
