HACKENSACK, N.J. - The FDU Knights (14-16, 12-5) took down the LIU Sharks (8-22, 5-11) in the NEC tournament quarterfinal by a score of 71-59.
The Knights shot an impressive 43.4% from the floor and went 6-17 (35.3%) from three. Gaitley's bunch continues to impress with their defense as they held the Sharks to single-digit scoring in the third period. As well as their ability to crash the glass which resulted in 38 rebounds tonight.
The Burgundy and Blue kept the stat sheet balanced with four players scoring in double-figures:
Teneisia Brown (30),
Lilly Parke (11),
Abaigeal Babore (11) and
Abby Conklin (10).
Despite the Sharks coming out strong with an eight-point run to take an early 14-7 lead in the first, the Knights were able to battle back going on an eight-point tear themselves.
Abby Conklin was able to give the Knights an edge with a thrilling buzzer beater from three to solidify an 18-16 lead to close the first.
With scoring going back-and-forth in the second quarter, the Knights found a way to capitalize on the Sharks errors and gain six points off turnovers. FDU was able to pull away with a 13-2 run late in the quarter to go into halftime up, 39-30.
Brown was able to record 20 of her 30 points in the first half and also led the Knights with five boards.
Coming out of the break, the Knights were able to get on the board first thanks to two straight buckets from
Lilly Parke. LIU couldn't seem to find an answer to the fired up FDU offense. The Knights held LIU to single digit scoring in the third quarter. FDU was able extend their lead due to outscoring LIU 16-8.
Despite LIU's attempt to battle back in the fourth quarter, the Knights were able to pull away and secure a 71-59 victory over the Sharks.
The Knights were powered by a career-high 30 points from
Teneisia Brown. The senior forward/center was able to reign in 10 rebounds to log, yet another, double-double.
What's Next
FDU is back in action on Thursday, March 14 where they will travel to Le Moyne to take on the Dolphins. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and will be available for streaming on NEC Front Row.
Connect with FDU women's basketball on X and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWBB.
