PURCHASE, N.Y. (January 24, 2018) - The FDU men's basketball team earned its first win of the year with a wire-to-wire 62-54 win over Manhattanville Wednesday.

The Devils wasted no time, opening the game with an 8-2 run capped off with a pair of free throws from freshman Ahmad St. Fleur. After the Valiants got back to within five at 29-24, FDU ended the first half with a 7-0 run. Junior Darren Davy had five points during the rally, ending with a three-pointer.

FDU shot 14-of-25 from the field in the opening half, while limiting the hosts to just eight field goals. Ball control was another big factor over the first 20 minutes, as the Devils turned the ball over five times compared to the Valiants 13.

Manhattanville battled back in the second stanza, using a 15-6 rally over 7:48 to get within four points. The tough Valiant defense caused six turnovers during the run while going 6-of-14 from the field. FDU responded with six of the next eight points, before another 7-2 spurt made the game a one possession affair.

The Devils did not break, as Davy hit a jumper with 36 seconds remaining to restore the two possession lead. Freshman Shawn Smith sunk four free throws in the final minute to put the game away.

Davy led the Devils with 18 points and five rebounds, while St. Fleur and Smith combined for 25 markers. Smith pulled in nine boards and had five steals, as senior Veon Lassiter notched eight points off the bench.

The Devils are back in action Saturday, hosting Misericordia at 3 p.m.