Box Score Dec. 9, 2007
Final Stats
Washington, D.C. - The Fordham Rams put forth a valiant comeback effort this afternoon against American University at Bender Arena, but came up short, 65-51.
With the loss, Fordham is 0-10 on the year, while American improves to 6-4.
Fordham started the game with high defensive energy and Raina Spencer turned that into points at the offensive end, nailing a three-point basket as Fordham took an early 6-4 lead. American responded with a 17-2 run over a seven and half minute span, taking a 21-8 lead. American's Liz Hayes scored seven of those points, while Sahar Nusseibeh had four.
American held Fordham without a basket until the Rams got back-to-back hoops from Kristina Bell and Megan Mahoney, closing American's lead to 25-12.
Later in the half, American extended the lead to 35-16, but Spencer hit a pair of free throws and a late-three-pointer to leave Fordham down, 35-21, at the break.
At the half, American shot 52% from the field and outrebounded the Rams, 22-9. American's Stephanie N'Garsanet led all scorers with nine points, while Fordham was led by Raina Spencer with eight.
Fordham put together a strong defensive effort over the first ten minutes of the second half, which helped the Rams cut into the American lead. Fordham used a 12-4 run, capped by back-to-back three-pointers by Spencer and Annie Zopf, to make it a ten-point game, 48-38.
Fordham continued to keep the heat on American as Mahoney hit another three-pointer to cut the lead to single-digits, 48-41, with 9:56 remaining.
The Rams stayed right with the Eagles, trailing by ten, 52-42, with 5:07 left before Fordham closed the gap to six, 52-46, following a pair of baskets by Spencer with three minutes remaining.
After the two teams exchanged baskets, Hayes hit a bank shot and two free throws which got the lead back out to double figures, which is where American would keep it.
For Fordham, Raina Spencer scored a season-high 18 points to go with four steals, while Megan Mahoney scored 13 points and she added three steals.
American was led by Stephanie N'Garsanet's 14 points and four boards, while Liz Hayes added 13 points and six assists.
The Fordham women's basketball team will now break for exams, and then return to action on Saturday, December 22nd, as they play at George Mason, beginning at 1:00 PM.
