BROOKLYN, N.Y. – FDU women's basketball (15-4, 6-0) picked up a thrilling last-second victory over LIU (10-7, 5-1) on Saturday afternoon. The win solidifies FDU atop the NEC standings.
The Knights found themselves being tested early by the Sharks. FDU trailed for nearly the entire first quarter, as LIU shot a blistering 60% from both the field, and from deep. Into the second quarter, LIU continued to charge ahead, leading by as many as 10 over FDU.
Then, the Knights started to turn the page. FDU ripped off a 14-0 run across a four-minute stretch in the fourth quarter, regaining the lead and taking control of the game. The Sharks battled back, but the Knights went into the halftime break with a 33-30 lead, thanks to an Ava Renninger layup in the waning moments of the first half.
That layup would be a premonition of things to come.
The two teams exchanged blows all second half long, with twelve lead changes across the final twenty minutes. In the fourth quarter, neither team led by more than two possessions. The Knights held that lead, after a three-point basket by Kailee McDonald put them up by four with 3:29 left in regulation. LIU would quickly even things up, going on a mini 4-0 run to tie things up with two minutes to go.
With under a minute left, the score remained even at 55. Bella Toomey put the Knights ahead on a second chance lay-up with 47 seconds to go. The Sharks responded on the other end, as reigning NEC Player of the Week Kadidia Toure knocked down a three, giving LIU a one-point lead with 33 seconds left.
The Knights called timeout and set up their offense in the half-court set. A drive inside by Ava Renninger was blocked out of bounds, giving FDU the ball underneath their own basket with 13 seconds left. The Knights triggered things in to Ava Renninger, who found a lane on the right side of the paint, drove inside, and knocked down an incredibly tough layup off the glass with just seven seconds to go.
LIU was unable to get off a shot in response. Out of the inbound, Madlena Gerke stole the ball away, and the Knights were able to run the clock out en route to a wild victory.
- Ava Renninger scored 15 points, including the game-winning layup with seven seconds to go in regulation.
- The sophomore also recorded five assists and grabbed seven rebounds.
- Renninger played all 40 minutes of regulation.
- Kailee McDonald led the scoring for FDU with 16 points.
- McDonald knocked down four threes in the victory.
- The sophomore guard also swiped three steals.
- Madlena Gerke scored nine points and recorded two steals, including the game-sealing turnover at the end of regulation.
- FDU won despite losing the rebound battle 38 to 25.
- The Knights' defense wreaked havoc on LIU, forcing 19 turnovers.
FDU returns home and plays host to CCSU on Thursday, January 22. Coverage of the game will be available on the YES Network and the Gotham Sports App. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
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.
