Nov. 23, 2005

HACKENSACK, NJ - The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team opened its 2005-06 home schedule at the Rothman Center in dominating fashion on Wednesday, downing Binghamton University 75-64 in Hackensack, NJ.

The win marked the Knights' first victory at home since March 1, 2004 when FDU bested Monmouth, 69-66.

"This is a lot of firsts, winning at home and winning the home opener," Head Coach Sandy Gordon said. "This is a huge win going into a tough stretch. We knew they were going to be good, so this is a good win going into the holiday."

Sophomore point guard Megan Kirkland (Glen Allen, VA/Hermitage) guided Coach Gordon's up-tempo offense with poise versus the Bearcats' zone defense, en route to 15 points and seven rebounds. The Knights' floor leader also dished out five assists and pilfered three steals.

Fairleigh Dickinson enjoyed a 39-24 advantage at the half, bolstered by a 9-0 run to open the game. The Knights shot 53.8 percent from the field, including 4-5 from behind the arc, in the opening 20 minutes, as well as crashed the boards to out-rebound the Bearcats, 23-12.

"The difference between last year and this year is our depth and our tempo," Gordon said. "We try to push the ball in transition. From day one we've been harping on intensity and solid defense."

Sophomore forward Nikki Lockhart (Rochester, NY/Nazareth Academy) tallied a team-high 16 points, in addition to notching seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Shanay Freeman (Laurelton, NY/Towsend Harris) contributed 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Freshman forward Katie Warehime (Littlestown,PA/Littlestown) came off the bench to spark the Knights, scoring 10-consecutive points for the second time this season. The freshman dropped in 14 points and posted a team-high eight rebounds.

Binghamton clawed back into the game, cutting the deficit to 50-47 with just over 11 minutes remaining in the second-half. Senior guard Jen Blues (Overland Park, KS/Blue Valley North) found her rhythm from long range, draining six three-pointers to finish with 22 points. Sophomore guard Laura Sario (Espoo, Finland/Eteta-Tapiolanlukio) chipped in with 11 points.

FDU travels to St. John's University at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 30.