The Knights hosted their first NEC home game against Sacred Heart, which resulted in a 77-75 loss for the Knights.

The Knights fell to 3-11 on the season and are now 1-2 in the NEC, while Sacred Heart improves to 9-7 with a 2-1 record in the NEC.

Sacred Heart now sits third in the NEC standings, while FDU falls to 10th in the NEC standings. 

Sacred Heart’s offense jumped out to a 22-10 lead halfway through the first half, though FDU was able to cut the lead to 32-28 with 4 minutes remaining in the period.

FDU had all the momentum after that, going on an 11-3 run to end the half in the lead, 41-35.

Junior guard Jahlil Jenkins led the Knights with 24 points. Senior forward Kaleb Bishop had 19 points. Redshirt junior Xzavier Malone-Key added 14 points, sophomore guard Brandon Powell had 10 points, and junior forward Elyjah Williams had 8 points.

FDU shot 27-59 (45.8%) from the field, 11-22 (50%) from three, and 10-13 (76.9%) from the free throw line.

The Pioneers’ leading scorer was sophomore guard Koreem Ozier who had 24 points. Junior guard/forward E.J. Ansosike had 19 points. Redshirt senior Jare’l Spellman had 14 points and sophomore guard Cameron Parker had 10 points. 

Sacred Heart shot 27-58 (46.6%) from the field, 9-20 (45%) from three, and 14-19 (73.7%) from the free-throw line. 

FDU will look to get back in the win column when they host Saint Francis University, a rematch of last year’s NEC championship game on Wednesday, Jan, 15 at 5 p.m. and live on ESPNU.

Sacred Heart will host Central Connecticut State on Wednesday, January 15th at 6 p.m.