The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball dropped a 49-73 decision to Robert Morris on Monday, Jan. 23 at Stratis Arena in Hackensack, NJ.  With the loss the Knights fall to 9-11 on the season, with a 4-4 mark in Northeast Conference action.  The Colonials improve to 10-9 on the year, with a 4-4 conference record.

The Knights converted just 16 of 59 shots from the field for a 27.1 shooting percentage, while the Colonials went 29 for 65 for 44.6 percent.  RMU also made seven of 19 shots from beyond the arc to out-score FDU. 

After trading baskets in the opening minutes of the game, the Colonials went on a quick 9-1 run to take a nine-point lead with 12 minutes left in the half.  Freshman Stephanie Isaacs (Fair Haven, N.J./Rumson-Fair Haven) broke up the RMU run with a three pointer over a leaping RMU defender.

The teams fought for possession midway through the half, but Robert Morris prevailed with a 10-0 run.  The Colonials held the Knights scoreless between the eight and two minute marks, enabling RMU to take an 18-point lead, 14-32, with two minutes to play.

Sophomore Danielle Pankey (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South) sank two free throws to end the half.  At the break, RMU led, 16-32. 

The Knights were out-rebounded, 19-25, and out-shot, 19.2% to 38.2% in the first 20 minutes of play.

Senior Mariyah Laury (Orange, NJ/Orange) started the second half with a fast-break layup, changing the momentum of the game.  The teams once again traded baskets, increasing the score to 34-46 with 13 minutes remaining.

Midway through the second half, the Colonials sparked a 12-0 run with eight points from Briannica Tye.  Erika Livermore (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth Area) stopped the Knights' scoring draught with a layup with 7:15 to play, but not before RMU had compiled a 24 point lead, 34-58. 

The Knights fought to respond in the final minutes of the game but could not cut the deficit.  FDU eventually fell, 49-73.

Mary Durojaye led the Colonials with 20 points, while Artemis Spanou added 17 and 14 rebounds for her sixth consecutive double-double. 

Laury led the Knights' offense with 14 points.  Livermore and Pankey added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Livermore led the team on the glass with seven rebounds.

“Robert Morris came in and played a great game,” said Head Coach Pete Cinella.  “We have to improve our defense.”

The Knights travel to Central Connecticut State and Bryant University next weekend.