MORRISTOWN, N.J. (NOVEMBER 8, 2018) - The FDU-Florham women's basketball team won their season opening match-up against The College of Saint Elizabeth 69-67, Thursday night.

Junior Cayla Staggers led the Devils with 17 points while sophomore Aleah Bass added eight points of her own and a team high 12 rebounds. Freshman Helen Ishmael added 11 points and nine rebounds in her first collegiate game. FDU held the edge in assists (15-9) as well as rebounds (48-46)

The Devils went into the half with an eight-point led in part to the great defense they played in the second quarter. They held the Eagles to 2-14 shooting (14.3%) including 1-5 from deep, holding them to only 10 points in the quarter. In contrast, FDU shot 6-of-15 from the field, with a pair of threes.

In the third quarter the Devils extended their lead with a 23-point performance in the frame. The offensive outburst was led by Ishmael and junior Imani Collins who scored seven and four points respectively. Despite the hosts taking 11 free-throws, FDU was a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.

In the fourth quarter the Eagles made a valiant effort, but the comeback fell short. The Eagles brought got within one with less than 10 seconds remaining but late clutch free throws from senior Raven Dowling and Staggers iced the game for a Devils victory.

The win was head coach Melissa Brooks' first of her career.

The Devils will travel to Newark, N.J. to face Rutgers-Newark, Tuesday November 13 at 6 p.m.