With help from a record-breaking performance by junior Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange), the Fairleigh Dickinson women's basketball team stole a victory against Wagner College, 83-71, on Monday, February 7 at Spiro Sports Center in Staten Island, NY. With the win the Knights advance to 12-11 (5-7 NEC) and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Seahawks fall to 10-13 (3-9 NEC).
The Knights took their 12th win of the season on a season-high 83 points. The game saw many milestones including Laury's program-record 38 points and senior Alyssa Mayrose (Freehold, NJ/Freehold)'s 1,000th career point. Laury's points also tied the record for both men and women single game performances at Spiro Sports Center.
The Seahawks took the lead three minutes into the game and held onto it through the majority of the first half. The Knights fought hard, never letting Wagner lead by more than six points in the first 20 minutes.
With 1:56 remaining in the half, the Knights cut the deficit to one point on a pair of free-throws from freshman Danielle Pankey (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South). Just 50 seconds later a layup from Laury tied the game at 30. Wagner scored just before the break to take a 32-30 halftime lead.
The Seahawks jumped out to an eight-point lead to start the half. Just two minutes in, Wagner led, 38-30, and looked as if they would maintain the advantage.
Three quick turnovers by the Seahawks were enough to help the Knights claw back into the game. With 16 minutes remaining senior Jordan Sykes (Avalon, NJ/Holy Spirit) nailed a three pointer to tie the score at 39.
Over the next five minutes of play the Knights continued with a strong burst of momentum but were met with responses from the Seahawks each time they scored. It was not until midway through the second half that the Knights went on a 16-4 run to extend their lead to nine points.
The Knights played hard through the final six minutes of play and were able increase their lead to 15 points, 54-69, with three minutes left in the game. The Seahawks battled back and came within seven points with 38 seconds to go but it was be enough to overcome FDU.
Sykes contributed to the win with 14 points for the Knights, while Mayrose and Pankey each added 10. Pankey led the team in rebounds with seven.
The Knights shot an impressive 49.1 percent (26-for-53) from the field during the game, outshooting the Seahawks who went 23-for-61.
FDU returns to the Rothman Center for Northeast Conference Rivalry Weekend on Saturday, February 12. The women will host Monmouth University in a men's/women's double-header at Stratis Arena. Tip-off is slated for 4:30 pm.
