NEWARK, N.J. – FDU women's basketball (4-3, 0-0) picked up a big road victory over NJIT (6-2, 0-0) on Tuesday night, defeating the Highlanders by a score of 71-43.
The Knights got off to a rocket start in the first quarter behind strong perimeter play from Kailee McDonald. McDonald put eight points on the board in the first half with two three-pointers, helping the Knights to start the game with a 22-10 lead after the first quarter. The Knights' defense was also electric to start the night, holding NJIT to just two made baskets across the first six minutes of regulation.
McDonald stayed hot into the second quarter, knocking down her third make of the night from deep during the second stanza. Her shooting helped the Knights' lead grow to 38-20 entering the halftime break.
FDU did not slow down one bit in the second half. Ava Renninger took the game over in the third quarter for the Knights. The sophomore point guard scored 12 points in the quarter, knocking down three triples. McDonald joined the party from deep yet again in the third, closing the quarter with her fourth three of the night.
McDonald would hit her fifth three of the night early in the fourth quarter, as it became apparent FDU would walk away with the victory.
Before the game closed, the Knights got some more fireworks, this time from their bench. Tyler Edwards contributed six points across the final four minutes of regulation, and in stylish fashion. Her night was capitalized by an impressive turnaround jumper in the paint following a filthy ball fake.
The Knights would wind up out-scoring NJIT 16 to nine across the fourth quarter, leading to the 71-43 final.
- Ava Renninger led the way for the Knights in the win, scoring 20 points.
- Renninger knocked down three triples in the winning effort.
- 12 of Renninger's 20 points came in the third quarter. She was responsible for all but five of the Knights' 17 points in the frame.
- The sophomore also added five rebounds and five assists.
- Kailee McDonald lit up the night from deep, scoring 17 points on five threes.
- McDonald's 17 points are a career-high against a Division I opponent.
- The five threes for McDonald also tie a career-high.
- In addition to her ace shooting, McDonald grabbed six boards, dished three assists, and recorded a block and steal.
- Reigning NEC Player of the Week Madlena Gerke contributed two three-pointers in the win as well.
- Rebecca Osei-Owusu played 27 productive minutes in the front-court.
- The junior scored six points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded one block and three steals.
- The Knights shot 10-23 from deep in the win.
- FDU has now made 21 threes over their past two games.
- The Knights dominated NJIT on the glass, out-rebounding the Highlanders 46 to 31.
- Leah Crosby (nine rebounds), and Osei-Owusu (eight rebounds) were the leaders on the boards for the Knights.
- FDU won the turnover battle nine to 16.
- FDU scored 19 points off turnovers. NJIT had just two points off turnovers.
The Knights head on Thanksgiving break. When they return, they host Monmouth on Saturday, November 29 in Hackensack. Tip-off will be at 2 p.m. with coverage on NEC Front Row.
Connect with FDU Women's Basketball on X and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWBB.
Segovia Steakhouse is the presenting sponsor of the 2025-26 FDU women's basketball season.
