HACKENSACK, N.J. – Saint Francis U's 11-point fourth quarter lead proved to be too much for Fairleigh Dickinson as Courtney Blankenship's three-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark and the Knights fell 82-79 in the Northeast Conference opener for both sides.

Fairleigh Dickinson (2-10, 0-1 NEC) got the deficit to a single possession multiple times in the final two-plus minutes but Saint Francis U (4-8, 1-0 NEC) had an answer every time from the free throw line. The Red Flash hit six free throws in the final 98 seconds.

Amina Markovic led all scorers with a career-high 32 points on a career-high 11-of-20 from the field. The junior also grabbed 11 rebounds for her first career double-double. Twenty-six of her 32 came after halftime.
 
Two other Knights were in double figures; Kiana Brown and Lauren Francillon had 10. Madelynn Comly pulled down 10 rebounds and have two points and two steals.

Head coach Peter Cinella said post game, "Proud of the team for continuing to battle in the fourth quarter. We did such a great job on the glass, especially on the offensive glass and not turning the ball over." He continued, "You have to give Saint Francis U credit for making free throws down the stretch. They are very talented, probably the most talented team in our league. Unfortunately, we missed some easy shots and did not get a few 50-50 balls."

A three-pointer from Taylor Allison gave the Red Flash their largest lead of the game 73-62 with 4:23 to play in the fourth, then the Knights started to make the comeback. A three-point play from Brown with 4:08 to play got the Knights to within eight.

Two free throws from Markovic and then a bucket from her off a Natalie Zamora steal pulled the Knights to within five, 74-69 with 2:54 left.

After a pair of free throws from the Red Flash, Markovic scored again off an assist from Brown. Brown then stole the ensuing inbounds pass and found Zamora for a three to make it 76-73 with 2:10 left.

Two free throws from each team made it 80-77 Saint Francis U with 30 seconds to play. Out of a timeout and after three straight offensive rebounds, Madelynn Comly was fouled and the sophomore made both free throws to get Fairleigh Dickinson within a point, 80-79.

Jessica Kovatch made two free throws to put the Red Flash up three before Blankenship's three-pointer was off the mark.

Kovatch led the Red Flash with 27 points. Halee Adams and Ace Harrison were also in double figures with 10 and 16 respectively. 

The Knights were plus-17 on the glass and had 32 offensive rebounds – a season high – but Saint Francis was 14-of-33 from three-point land compared to Fairleigh Dickinson's 8-of-33 mark.