By Anthony Covino
Sports Editor
The Knights won their second NEC game in a row with a 85-75 win against the Mount St. Mary Mountaineers 85-75 on Saturday, Feb. 1.
The Knights improve to 6-15 with a 4-6 record in the NEC, while the Mountaineers fall to 9-13 with a 5-4 record in the NEC.
“I think our defense created our offense, we moved the ball, we shared it, and obviously Devon Dunn off the bench gave us a big lift. He’s a knockdown shooter.” FDU head coach Greg Herenda said.
The Knights got off to a fast start as they led by 22 points, 39-17, entering halftime. The 22 point lead provided enough of a buffer for the Knights so they could withstand a second half charge by the Mountaineers. FDU was outscored 58-46 in the second half.
The Knights second half defensive struggles are a cause of concern for the team. The 58 points was the most the Knights surrendered in any half this season.
The Knights had six players in double figures as freshman guard Devon Dunn led the way with 20 points off the bench, preseason All-NEC junior guard Jahlil Jenkins had 14 points, junior forward Elyjah Williams had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Redshirt junior guard Xzavier Malone-Key had 12 points and senior forward Kaleb Bishop and sophomore guard Brandon Powell both had 10 points.
FDU shot 28-51 (54.9%) from the field, 10-17 (58.8%) from three, and 19-24 (79.2%) from the free throw line.
Junior guard Jalen Gibbs had 27 points for the Mountaineers. Sophomore guard Damien Chong Qui had 16 points and redshirt junior guard Brandon Leftwich added 10 points.
Mount St. Mary’s shot 24-58 (41.4%) from the field, 7-26 (26.9%) from three, and 20-25 (80%) from the free throw line.
The Knights have started to pick things up as they are winning conference games which matter the most as this time of the season. They will have to keep this win streak going, especially when they take on Merrimack next who is in first place in the conference. The next game would be a huge win in the conference for this team, and will certainly keep the momentum going into the end of the season.
FDU will look to extend their winning streak to three games as they host Merrimack on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. on ESPN3.
Photo by Kenneth Ramirez Castro
