WEST HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven Women's Basketball (7-19, 5-10 NEC) dropped a 69-55 decision to FDU (24-4, 15-0 NEC) at The Hazell Center. The Chargers kept the game close early, tying the score twice, but were outscored 24-16 in the third quarter. New Haven notched 20 points in the paint and forced 13 turnovers, converting them into 14 points. FDU's 13 three-pointers proved decisive in securing the victory.

The game began with FDU's Madlena Gerke hitting two early three-pointers, establishing a 6-0 lead. The Chargers responded with a layup by Teaira Kelley (Monroe, Ga./Walnut Grove) at 6:51 and a basket from Lindsay Hogan (Bayville, N.Y./Locust Valley), narrowing the gap to 8-4. Hogan's jumper at 4:03 tied the game at 8-8, but FDU's Rebecca Osei-Owusu quickly regained the lead with a layup. Aniya McDonald-Perry (Middletown, Conn./Putnam Science Academy) tied the game at 10-10 with two free throws, continuing her streak of securing at least four offensive rebounds in six consecutive games. However, Kailee McDonald's three-pointer with two seconds left gave FDU a 13-10 lead to end the quarter.

FDU widened its lead in the second quarter, with Kailee McDonald hitting three three-pointers, contributing to their 17 points. New Haven struggled with turnovers, committing four in the quarter. McDonald-Perry added a layup at 9:44 and two free throws with 1:08 remaining. Despite a late three-pointer by Jasmine McKay (West Babylon, N.Y./North Babylon), the Chargers trailed 30-22 at halftime.

In the third quarter, FDU outscored New Haven 24-16. Ava Renninger hit a three-pointer at 9:26, followed by Leah Crosby's three-pointer and layup, pushing FDU's lead to 38-24. Hogan answered with a jumper and a three-pointer, but FDU maintained control with consistent shooting. McDonald-Perry's steady rebounding, achieving at least seven total rebounds in six straight games, was a bright spot for New Haven. FDU's Kailee McDonald closed the quarter with a buzzer-beater three-pointer, making it 54-38 in FDU's favor.

FDU maintained their lead in the fourth quarter, securing a 69-55 win. Ava Renninger added a layup early on, extending FDU's advantage. Midway through, McKay hit a three-pointer for New Haven, but FDU stayed ahead. Osei-Owusu's free throw capped the scoring for FDU, while McKay added a late three-pointer for New Haven.

New Haven Top Performers

Teaira Kelley (Monroe, Ga./Walnut Grove)
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- 13 points
- 10 rebounds
- 5/10 field goals

Jasmine McKay (West Babylon, N.Y./North Babylon)
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- 14 points
- 3 three-pointers
- 5/8 field goals

Aniya McDonald-Perry (Middletown, Conn./Putnam Science Academy)
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- 11 points
- 7/7 free throws
- 7 rebounds

Lindsay Hogan (Bayville, N.Y./Locust Valley)
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- 11 points
- 5/13 field goals

Up Next, the Chargers will host Wagner College on Thursday, Feb. 26 at The Hazell Center in West Haven, Conn. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.