MADISON, N.J. – In a thrilling match, the Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team defeated DeSales University, 68-62, in the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship on Saturday, Feb. 25 in the Ferguson Recreation Center.

The victory marks the Devils' fifth consecutive MAC Freedom Championship title in a 24-3 season -- making conference history. 

FDU-Florham found themselves in unfamiliar territory down seven at half time. It was senior Rachel Groom who opened the scoring with a good layup to give the Devils some momentum.

Still, the Bulldogs pushed holding on to the lead thanks to a strong performance from Morgan McCollian who contributed 15 points.

It was only fitting that freshman Kendrea Williams knocked in a good three-pointer with 2:10 left in the third quarter to tie up the game at 43 each. It was that point that earned Williams the program's single-season record for three-point field goals with a total of 71. Williams led all scorers with 21 points including two from behind-the-arc.

DeSales held tough in the fourth quarter though, coming back to grab a 49-48 lead with 9:19 remaining in the game following two consecutive three-pointers from Kaitlyn Kelly and Megan Baird.

The Devils finally grabbed the lead and held onto it off a go-ahead layup from senior Alyssa McDonough layup that sparked a 12-0 run to put FDU-Florham up 61-51.

Veteran captains Groom and McDonough made a difference with 18 points each. Groom was honored as Most Valuable Player of the Game after pairing 10 rebounds with her 18 points to grab a double-double and adding three steals.  

Sophomore guard Kayla Croswell continued to be a force, grabbing 10 rebounds including two offensive while classmate Raven Dowling kept the court composed with six assists, two steals and five rebounds.

With the victory, the Devils receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament this coming weekend.