HACKENSACK, N.J. – Behind a career-high 33 points from
Lilly Parke, FDU toppled over Central Connecticut in overtime by a score of 80-75 at Bogota Savings Bank Center on Thursday night. The Knights now move to 4-2 in NEC play and are 6-13 overall.
FDU shot just under 34% from the floor and were able to cash in at the charity stripe as they went 26-35 from the line. The Knights continue to improve their offense as they had four scorers in double-figures. This marks the fifth straight game where they have had three or more players reach double-digits in point production this season.
Abby Conklin opened the game with a shot from deep that put FDU up by three.
Abaigeal Babore led the Knights with six points in the first quarter, but the Blue Devils were able to close out the period leading by three.
In a close battle before the half, both teams were held to single digit points for the quarter. The Knights trailed by two at the break. At halftime, Babore led FDU with eight points, while
Teneisia Brown collected six rebounds.
After the break, FDU made quick work of their offense as
Lilly Parke started to ignite for the Knights a with a quick shot in the paint that led to her tallying a third of her total points for the entire game. At the close of the third period, the Knights were able to outscore the Blue Devils 19-10 and lead the game 40-33.
Despite the Knights impressive third quarter and Parke's tremendous scoring through the second half, Central Connecticut was able to answer the Knights lead and send the game into overtime as regulation ended, the score was knotted at 63-63.
Even with the Blue Devils scoring first in overtime, Conklin was able to answer the call with a good jumper that was immediately followed by a Parke triple that was able to give the Knights a four-point margin. For the rest of the period, despite Central Connecticut's efforts to come back, ultimately, the Knights were able to keep their lead and come away with an 80-75 victory over the Blue Devils.
Parke powered the Knights with 33 points, a career-high, where she went 11-21 from the floor and connected on 3-9 triples for the night. The New Zealand native collected eight rebounds and contributed two assists.
Teneisia Brown was a key contributor as she logged her sixth double-double in the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds off the glass.
Abaigeal Babore had a career night as well with 16 points tallied and was able to pull in nine rebounds for the Knights.
Abby Conklin was able to connect on two triples tonight that marked her seventh straight game with two or more three-pointers made.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights will hit the road to take on Sacred Heart on Saturday January 27
th. The game is set for a 2 p.m. tip-off and will be streamed on NEC Front Row.
Connect with FDU women's basketball on X and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWBB.
