WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 29, 2016) -- A string of four-straight points from the charity stripe in the last 33 seconds of the game sealed the Fairleigh Dickinson University women's basketball team a 55-47 victory over the College of St. Benedict in their opening game of the Jamie Lynn Roberts DC Holiday Classic on Thursday afternoon. 

The Devils improved to 8-2 on the season as the Blazers dropped to 7-3. 

Both squads were tied at 25 apiece at the half but FDU-Florham recorded a 50.0 shooting percentage compared to the Blazers' 23.3 percent in the second, to edge out the win. 

The Devils pounced on turnover opportunities, scoring 20 points off St. Benedict's mistakes. FDU-Florham also dominated in fast break points, scoring eight to the Blazers' none. 

Senior Alyssa McDonough led with a game-high 17 points including three assists. Fellow classmate Rachel Groom proved to a dominating force, notching a double-double with a game-high 14 rebounds and 10 points.

It was freshman powerhouse Kendrea Williams who broke the tie by opening up the second half with three made free throws and a layup to spark the Devils' offense. Williams also added four assists in the triumph.

Still, the Blazers pushed and regained a 34-30 lead with just over five minutes left in the third quarter until a layup from Williams and a three-pointer from sophomore Raven Dowling shifted the game back in favor of the Devils for the remainder of the contest.

The College of St. Benedict was led by Annie Dittberner and Kate Banovetz, who scored 10 points each in the defeat. 

FDU-Florham takes the court again tomorrow at 3 p.m. against the winner of Catholic University and Washington and Jefferson.