The Bulldogs defeat FDU on the road and advance to the NEC Championship

HACKENSACK, N.J. – The number seven seeded Bryant University women's basketball team defeated the number one seeded Knights of Fairleigh Dickinson on the road behind a tough team defensive effort on Thursday night to advance their second Northeast Conference Championship in DI program history.

Brooke Bjelko posted 12 points, and Nicole Gallagher had 11 points.

 Bryant (10-21, 8-12) Fairleigh Dickinson (19-11, 15-3)
Location: Rothman Center (Hackensack, N.J.)

Key Moment

• Gallagher made a jumper with 34 seconds to put the Bulldogs up four points en route to a victory.

 How it Happened

• Both teams were in a battle during the first quarter scoring eight points each. Mariona Planes Fortuny had four, and Bjelko tallied four.
• Bryant and FDU continued their defensive battle by tallying 10 points each, making the game tied at 18 at halftime. Bjelko posted four, Jallow recorded four, and Lucie Castagne had two.
• The Bulldogs created separation from the Knights by outdueling them 10-5 in the third period. Gallagher posted six, Fortuny and Shannon O'Connor tallied two.
• With five minutes left, Jallow nailed a three on the no-look pass from Gallagher, increasing the lead to nine (37-28). The Knights then went on a 5-0 run to make it a two-point game with two minutes left.
• Gallagher made a step-back jumper from the baseline with 34 seconds to make the lead four (39-35). Madison Stanley countered with a straightaway triple, making the lead one (39-38). Bjelko was intentionally fouled and calmly made both free throws increasing the advantage to three (41-38). 
• FDU missed a three-pointer on the ensuing possession, which Jallow rebounded, and then made two free throws (43-38). Gallagher added one more free throw in the final second to seal the win (44-38).

Stats

• Bjelko posted 12 points and six boards.
• Gallagher recorded 11 points and nine rebounds.
• The Bulldogs outrebounded FDU 39-35.
• Bryant shot 37.5% from the field and 28% from deep.
• The Black and Gold went 6-7 from the line (85%).

 Notes

• This will be the Bulldog's second trip to the NEC Championship in DI program history.
• Bryant held FDU to under 15 field goals made and 30% shooting for the first time since February 3rd against Saint Francis U.
• The Black and Gold are the second seven seed in NEC history to make the championship game. 

 Next Up

• On Sunday, the Bulldogs will play at Mount St. Mary's for an NEC title.