The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team lost a hard-fought battle to Army, 37-51 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011.  With the loss at Christl Arena in West Point, NY, the Knights fall to 1-3 on the season, while the Black Knights improve to 2-1.

A strong second half enabled Army to take their third victory of the season.

It was a slow start for both teams, with only six combined points in the first four minutes.  With 12 minutes remaining in the half senior Erica McKeithan (Newport News, VA/Heritage) gave the Knights their first lead, 8-6, with a jump shot.  Two minutes later, classmate Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) put the Knights up four with an offensive rebound and a jump shot. 

The Black Knights responded to each Knights' lead with baskets so that the Knights could never build a lead more than four points.  With two minutes left to play Army maintained a two-point lead. Laury sank a three pointer that put FDU up by one with 1:44 left to play in the half but the Black Knights responded once again, making a layup with 38 seconds remaining.

At the break the Knights trailed, 19-20.  Laury led the team with seven points, while senior Esther Wallace (Springfield, MA/Springfield Central) brought down six rebounds.  FDU also forced nine Army turnovers during the first 20 minutes, while committing just six. 

The beginning of the second half saw seven lead changes, including four ties.  With 12 minutes remaining, Torrie Childs (Trenton, N.J./Trenton Central) and Desiree Crawford (Aurora, Ontario/Cardinal Carter Catholic) made consecutive shots to put the Knights up 30-26. 

From there the Black Knights went on an 11-0 run during a time period of seven minutes.  With 5:45 to play sophomore Danielle Pankey (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South) and Wallace both went to the free-throw line and cut the Knights' scoring draught. 

Army continued their point frenzy to eventually outscore the Knights 20-7 in the final ten minutes of the game.  FDU scored zero points on field goals during that time.

Laury led the team with 14 points, while Wallace finished with eight rebounds.  Although FDU cut down their turnovers and allowed just 13, they were outrebounded, 44-32. The Knights shot just .250 from the field through the game and .643 (9-for-14) from the charity stripe.  Army shot .340 from the floor and .533 from the free-throw line (16-for-30).

The Knights return to action at the UCONN World Vision Classis during Thanksgiving break.  FDU will face UConn on Friday, Nov. 25 before taking on Dayton and Buffalo through the weekend.