Dec. 9, 2007

Box Score

WASHINGTON - The American University women's basketball team bounced back its loss earlier in the week to take down Fordham University Sunday afternoon, 65-51. Four Eagles scored in double digits led by senior Stephanie N'Garsanet's team-high 14 points.

American (6-4) broke away from Fordham (0-10) in the first half with a seven minute 19-0 run that put AU ahead, 25-8. Five Eagles scored during the stretch and by halftime each of the eight players to see action for AU had recorded at least one point. American led at the break, 35-21, and had outscored the Rams 24-10 in the paint.

AU came out cold in the second half and relied heavily on defensive pressure to maintain its lead. By the midway point, Fordham began to chip away at the lead and had reduced AU's advantage to six points with two minutes remaining. Five consecutive points scored by Liz Hayes put some distance between the two teams and forced Fordham to foul the rest of the way resulting in six freebie points for AU.

N'Garsanet scored a team high 14 points while playing just 15 minutes. Hayes was right on her heels and finished the game with 13 points, five of which came from the charity stripe. Talicia Jackson and Liz Leer also scored in double figures, each notching 10. Maggie Smith-Davidson led the Eagles on the glass with 12 rebounds.

AU shot above 50 percent from the field in the opening period for the fourth-consecutive game, connecting on 14 of 27 shots (51.9%). American outrebounded its opponent for the first time in four games, 48-28, and dominated Fordham in the paint, 38-18.

The Rams were led by Raina Spencer who recorded 18 points and four steals, and Megan Mahoney who notched 13 and three.

American will take some time off before returning to the floor Wednesday, Dec. 19, at George Mason.