Farmingdale State - 73, Johnson & Wales (RI) - 64
Mahwah, N.J. - The Farmingdale State women's basketball team defeated Johnson & Wales (RI) University, 73-64, in their opening game at the Roadrunner Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Ramapo College this evening. The Rams improved to 2-1 on the year, while the Wildcats fell to 1-1.
Trailing 12-11 just under eight minutes into the game, FSC closed the first quarter on an 8-2 run, including six points from sophomore guard Imani Butts (Brentwood, N.Y.), as they took a 19-14 advantage into the second.
After senior guard Nia Miller (Brooklyn, N.Y.) opened the quarter with four straight points, Butts tallied a pair of free-throws to give Farmingdale State an 11-point edge at 25-14.
Johnson & Wales would outscore FSC 17-9 over the final seven minutes of the half as they cut their deficit to just three, 34-31.
The Wildcats came out quick in the third quarter as they tallied back-to-back jumpers to go in front, 35-34.
With the game tied at 44-44 with 1:14 left in the third, Johnson & Wales junior forward Marissa Cottrell (New Britain, Conn.) knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats ahead 47-44.
Still down by three, 49-46, in the fourth quarter, the Rams went on a 12-0 run, including 3's from both Miller and junior guard Jami Cardenas (Bay Shore, N.Y.), to take a nine-point advantage at 58-49.
The Wildcats would answer with a quick 5-1 run to close within five, 59-54, but FSC tallied the game's next six points to take a 65-54 lead.
Despite being outscored 10-8 over the final three minutes, Farmingdale State would go on for the 73-64 victory.
Butts tallied a game-high 21 points as she was a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, while junior forward Alexis Hunter (Brooklyn, N.Y.) recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Miller finished with 12 points, six boards and five assists, Cardenas produced nine points and nine rebounds and junior guard Anna Zaborowska (East Patchogue, N.Y.) tallied six points and 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Dayna McCall (Bohemia, N.Y.) added five points in the win.
The Rams will now play host-school Ramapo in the Championship game of the tournament tomorrow, Saturday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m.
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