HACKENSACK, N.J – FDU women's basketball (13-4, 4-0) defeated New Haven (4-11, 2-2) by a score of 65-57 on Saturday afternoon.
The Knights played host to new NEC member New Haven, matching up against the Chargers for the first time in program history. The game served as the NEC home opener for the Knights, after beginning their conference stretch with three straight road contests.
New Haven made quite the first impression in Hackensack, going back-and-forth with the Knights from the opening tip. There were six lead changes during the first quarter, with the Knights ultimately leading 21-17 heading into the second quarter. The Chargers continued to play FDU close in the second quarter, cutting the FDU lead to 31-29 heading into halftime.
New Haven hit three straight threes to open up the second half, and found themselves leading 38-36 at the six-minute mark of the third quarter. The Knights then ripped off an 11-2 run to close the third quarter, building themselves a lead as the fourth quarter came around.
The Knights stayed in control to start the final frame, their lead growing to 11 through the first four minutes of the fourth. That lead quickly dwindled.
New Haven erupted for an 11-0 run, tying the game with 2:36 to go in regulation. The Chargers' Aniya McDonald-Perry was responsible for six of the 11 points on the big run.
In response, the Knights turned to sharpshooting sophomore Kailee McDonald. The Lowell, Mass. native knocked down two huge threes, giving FDU a two-possession lead with 1:14 left. The Knights proceeded to win the free throw game across the final minute, escaping with a thrilling eight-point victory.
- Kailee McDonald led the way for the Knights, scoring 16 points on four threes.
- McDonald performed in the clutch for FDU. 14 of her 16 points, and all of her three-pointers, came in the second half.
- Ava Renninger contributed 13 points and eight assists in 40 minutes of action for the Knights.
- Renninger turned the ball over just one time.
- Rebecca Osei-Owusu continued her excellent stretch of conference play, scoring eight points and grabbing nine rebounds.
- Osei-Owusu is averaging 12.5 PPG and 7.8 RPG in four NEC games this season.
- Only Kailee McDonald (13.0 PPG) has scored more in conference play than Osei-Owusu.
- The Knights won the rebounding margin 33 to 27.
FDU heads back on the road to continue conference play. The Knights will face Wagner in Staten Island, N.Y. on Thursday, January 15. Tip-off will come at 7 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.
