The Knights got back in the win column as they defeated Central Connecticut State University 83-60 on Monday, January 20.

FDU improves to 4-13 with a 2-4 record in the NEC, while CCSU falls to 1-19 with a 0-7 record in the NEC. 

“I was really happy with our defensive integrity, we played hard, we weren’t perfect, but we held a team that we wanted to hold to 60 points to 60 points. We wanted to score over 80 and that was on the board before the game. We did what we had to do.” FDU head coach Greg Herenda said. 

Redshirt junior guard Xzavier-Malone Key led the Knights with 23 points. Preseason All-NEC junior guard Jahlil Jenkins had 15 points. Sophomore guard Brandon Powell continues his impressive second season with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Junior forward Elyjah Williams added 9 points and 13 rebounds. Senior Kaleb Bishop had an off night as he finished with 4 points and 5 rebounds. 

FDU shot 31-58 (53.4%) from the field, 11-22 (50%) from three, and 10-18 (55.6%) from the free throw line. 

CCSU was led by freshman forward Xavier Wilson, who had 12 points. Sophomore guard Ian Krishnan had 11 points. Freshman guard Myles Baker added 10 points. Freshman guard Jamir Redd added 8 points and 5 rebounds. Junior forward Stephane Ayangma had 7 points and 8 rebounds. 

The Blue Devils shot 21-60 (35%) from the field, 6-22 (27.3%) from three, and 12-21 (57.1%) from the free throw line. 

FDU will look to win back to back games when they take on the newest team in the NEC, Merrimack, on Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. in North Andover, Massachusetts. 

CCSU will try to win their first NEC game of the season when they will host Sacred Heart University on Thursday, January 23 at 7 p.m. in New Britain, Connecticut.