NEW BRITAIN, CT – FDU women's basketball (18-3, 8-0) took down Central Connecticut (6-16, 5-4) on the road Thursday afternoon by a score of 61-52. The win moves the Knights to 8-0 in NEC play, tying the program record for the best start to conference play.
The Knights and Blue Devils delivered a thrilling back-and-forth affair, beginning from the opening tip. The Knights began the game on a quick 6-0 run, but CCSU quickly got back into the game. After the first quarter, the Blue Devils and Knights stood tied at 11. CCSU continued to build momentum into the second quarter, and slowly built a sizable lead on the Knights. At the six minute mark in the second, the Blue Devils pulled away to lead 20-13, prompting an FDU timeout.
The timeout call proved right for head coach
Stephanie Gaitley. Out of the stoppage, the Knights erupted on a 10-2 run to take control back for a moment. CCSU would not go away quietly however, and when halftime rolled around, both teams again were tied, this time at 29.
Things remained tight throughout the majority of the third as well, as both teams traded buckets. Neither team led by more than one possesion in the third until the three-minute mark, when
Abaigeal Babore converted a tough layup inside. Babore provided the spark FDU needed with her make, and the Knights proceeded to take the game over shortly afterward. FDU would go on an 8-0 run across the end of the third quarter into the fourth, and would hold the lead for the remainder of regulation.
A big three by Babore with five minutes to go put the final dagger into CCSU, putting the Knights up by eleven.
THE STATS
- The Knights were led in scoring by Abaigeal Babore, who dropped 16 points.
- Babore continued what has been a torrid stretch in conference play for FDU. She averages 12.9 PPG through eight NEC contests, second on the team.
- Teneisia Brown dropped 12 points and 15 rebounds, her eighth double-double of the season.
- Ava Renninger conitnues to dominate as a freshman for FDU.
- Renninger scored 15 points for the Knights in the victory, with 13 of her points coming in the second half.
- The win ties an FDU record for best start to conference play, alongside the 1992-93 team who began 8-0 in NEC play.
- The Knights will search for sole possession of the record in their next game against Wagner.
- With the win, Stephanie Gaitley has moved into 16th place for winningest coach in Division I NCAAW history, tying legendary Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder.
- The Knights dominated on the boards, out-rebounding CCSU 42-29.
WHAT'S NEXT
FDU will have a quick turnaround, and face Wagner on the road on Saturday, February 8. Tip-off will come at 4:00 p.m, with coverage available on NEC Front Row.
Connect with FDU Women's Basketball on X and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWBB.
Segovia Steakhouse is the presenting sponsor of the 2024-25 FDU Women's Basketball season.
