MIAMI, FLA. (December 18, 2016) – The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team topped Hartwick College, 73-59, in their opening game of the HoopMIA Division III Holiday Shootout on Sunday afternoon.

The Devils improve to 7-2 while the Hawks dropped to 3-4.

The freshman pair of Kendrea Williams and Taiah Thornton were a force to be reckoned with on the court and contributed 19 points each in the victory. Thornton was everywhere for the Devils, going 8-for-14 and recording four assists and six steals.

Meanwhile, Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom Player of the Week Alyssa McDonough continued to lead FDU-Florham with a commanding performance of 14 points and eight rebounds.

The Devils took every advantage of their opportunities, scoring 35 points off turnovers and 12 on fast breaks to move past the Hawks.

FDU-Florham led for most of the game, but a second quarter push from the Hawks, who scored the final nine points of the half, cut the Devils' lead to just 38-35 at half time.

Still, the Devils regrouped and came out with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Hawks, 23-11, to widen their lead and ensure the triumph.

Up next, FDU-Florham returns to the court in the HoopMIA Holiday Shootout against Lehman College on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. in Miami, Fla.