Teaneck, NJ - Three pumpkins sat outside Rothman Center. In these days of rush the retail season, FDU appears to be holding on to one. On a December night retail seasons are far from the consciousness of Binghamton and host FDU. The not too distant conference seasons, America East for the visitors and Northeast for FDU, are the priority. This meeting represented an out of conference meeting designed to get both clubs tuned up for league play beginning later this month.
Binghamton got out to a lead in the early minutes. FDU found the Bearcats’ 6’3" junior Benonysdottir a difficult match up. The junior from Iceland showed a nice inside move, the ability to hit the mid range and three point shot-all in the first period.
Problem with Binghamton was turnovers. Both teams were willing to get out on the break. FDU’s break ignited by forcing Bearcat turnovers.
The Binghamton offense sputtered. No surprise given the turnover problem. FDU, a defensive minded team under coach Ang Szumilo was beginning to click on the offensive end. The FDU lead was double digits. The Knights then added to it as Devyn Scott scored on a twisting, spinning jumper in the lane at the buzzer. FDU went into the break leading 36-23. Scott’s last basket of the half proved to be a factor in the momentum column.
Binghamton coach Bethann Ord changed defenses-throwing some half court traps and zones, anything to get the Knights off balance. Zoning may have stopped dribble penetration. FDU still held the upper hand, maintaining its double figure edge. Credit the defense and strong inside work by 6’ Sierra DeAngelo.
The fourth quarter Binghamton continued to struggle offensively. Rushed shots, ill timed attempts etc. Frustration set in. Forty four seconds remained when Genevieve Coleman banked a short jumper for their first and only field goal of the fourth quarter. The Bearcats managed three points the final ten minutes. The FDU lead at that point was 19.
The Knights closed out the 63-40 victory, their third in seven games. Binghamton exited Rothman 3-3. DeAngelo led all scorers with 16 while pulling down 9 boards. Benonysdottir paced Binghamton with 15. She was forced into a 6 of 13 shooting night and struggled the second half as FDU adjusted defensively and effectively closed out on Binghamton’s leading scorer. Well wishers hung around a short while to greet players and coaches. The score stayed posted on the overhead scoreboard. Not surprising after a home win. Coach Szumilo spoke briefly to her team.
Afterward Szumilo expressed how pleased she was with the team defense, holding Binghamton to 29% shooting and forcing 19 turnovers. Given the Knight’s offense the coach called it,"our best performance to date. I liked how we had a number of people involved." There was still one concern, turnovers. FDU committed 20. For the young season they average 16 miscues per outing. "Turnovers is something we have to address," Szumilo said. "We have to value the ball."
Turnovers and ball security will be on the agenda next practice. For the time, the Knights could enjoy the solid win.
