Bucknell 61, FDU 60: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

Teaneck, NJ – On an afternoon when Bergen County in Northern New Jersey was inundated with Pre­-Black Friday shoppers, at Rothman Center it was basketball. The malls are within walking distance, but this day was reserved for women’s basketball.

FDU, off a tough loss to NJIT on Wednesday, was hosting Bucknell. The game itself played out as a close contest. It also served as a reminder of how the ebbs and flows of the game itself often change. Coaches are entrusted in ‘managing’ the game but in the end, players must execute and make plays.

FDU was defeated 61-­60 in overtime to drop to 1­-2. The Knights trailed early, overcame the deficit with some full court pressure, and owned an eight-point advantage down the stretch. Bucknell forced the extra session. FDU struck first, scoring the first four momentum-gaining points in the overtime period. Bucknell, (now 2­1 with all three games on the road) again dug deep and regained a lead they held on to.

The teams played to their strength, with the Bison size owning a 28­-10 points in the paint advantage. FDU, utilizing athleticism, forced 18 turnovers.

In the end, execution was the difference. A missed free throw by FDU and or inability to get a loose ball or prevent a second shot, these were the contributing factors. Again, a perfect example today of coaches managing but players having to execute.

FDU coach Pete Cinella surveys the action:

Joe Barrise, an officiating friend with whom I have enjoyed working with, worked the game with Theresa Funk and Kristie Mosley:

Amanda Andrades setting up the FDU offense:

Bucknell head coach Aaron Roussell on the sidelines while assistant Kate Adams also notices a detail needing attention:

FDU's Erika Livermore logged 40 minutes, and during a free throw, gets a much-needed; though short, break:

The FDU men practiced after the women's game. Captain Mustafaa Jones and head coach Greg Herenda were courtside to support the women:

Is it 824 or 825? Public address announcer Burt Shoobs puts the final touch on a consecutive game streak reaching over 800: