HACKENSACK, N.J. – Senior forward
Elyjah Williams poured in a career-high 24 points but the Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball team dropped its Northeast Conference opener 94-87 to Central Connecticut State inside the Rothman Center on Tuesday night.
Williams added nine rebounds and four assists to go along with his point total, while classmate
Jahlil Jenkins also scored 24 points in the loss. Jenkins added four steals, three rebounds and three assists.
The Blue Devils, who shot 63.8 percent overall and 10-of-15 (66.7 percent) from three-point range, were led by Greg Outlaw's 21-point, 10-rebound performance.
Watch: Coach Herenda Postgame Interview
How it Happened
- The Knights jumped out to an early 22-18 lead as Williams scored eight of the team's first 14 points.
- The Burgundy and Blue led by as many as six points, 36-30, which proved to be their largest lead of the contest.
- The Blue Devils closed the half on a 9-2 run and carried a 46-42 lead into the break.
- Freshman Joe Munden Jr. led all scorers at the break with 11 points, while Williams had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
- The visitors shot 64.3 percent from the field and 55.6 (5-of-9) from three-point range in the half, while the Knights hit 41.9 percent overall and 11-of-12 at the line.
- After the deficit grew to nine, 61-52, the Knights rattled off a 9-2 run highlighted by a three-point play by Williams with 13 minutes to go.
- The Blue Devils regained control, eventually extending the lead to 11 as they led until the final whistle.
Inside the Box Score
- Munden Jr. netted a career-high 16 points and drained 4-of-5 from three-point range in the loss.
- Jenkins scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half
- The Knights handed out 14 assists and grabbed 11 steals – both season highs
- In addition, the Burgundy and Blue made 21-of-25 at the line their most free throws since March 9, 2019.
- The Knights are now 5-3 in NEC openers under Herenda.
Up Next
The Knights host the Blue Devils again tomorrow as they conclude the two-game series. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. at the Rothman Center.
