Here’s a bold statement: Fordham’s women’s basketball team didn’t just win—they dominated. In a stunning 86-61 victory over Saint Francis (PA), the Rams showcased a level of precision and teamwork that left fans cheering and opponents reeling. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this win a testament to Fordham’s skill, or did Saint Francis simply crumble under pressure? Let’s dive into the details and you decide.
The game, held in the Bronx, NY, was a masterclass in efficiency. Fordham (8-4) outshined the Red Flash in nearly every aspect, most notably in turnovers. The Rams committed a mere six turnovers—a statistic that’s tied for their fewest since the 2022-23 season—while forcing Saint Francis into 20. That’s right, 20 turnovers. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about minimizing mistakes; it was about capitalizing on them. Fordham scored nine points directly off those turnovers in the fourth quarter alone.
Leading the charge for the Rams was Alexis Black, who dropped a game-high 25 points and added two steals. Lakresha Edwards tied her career-best with 15 points, including three crucial three-pointers, while Carryn Easley stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, six rebounds, and a career-high nine assists. Here’s a thought-provoking question: With such balanced contributions, is Fordham’s success a result of individual talent or a deeper team chemistry? Let us know in the comments.
The Rams’ offense was particularly lethal from beyond the arc, sinking nine three-pointers on 24 attempts. Meanwhile, their defense smothered Saint Francis, holding them to a mere 33.3% shooting from the field. Bold claim: This defensive performance might just be the blueprint for future victories.
The game’s momentum shifted early when Fordham went on a 5-0 run late in the first quarter, capped by a three-pointer from Tia Morgan, extending their lead to 13-5. Though Saint Francis chipped away, the Rams entered the quarter break up 21-16, thanks in part to 11 bench points. Fun fact: Fordham’s bench scored 31 points in total, proving their depth is a game-changer.
The second quarter saw Fordham pull away decisively with a 15-0 run, pushing their lead to 44-25. By halftime, the Rams were comfortably ahead 49-30, having dominated the paint with 16 of their 28 points coming from close range. The third quarter was more of the same, with Fordham extending their lead to 68-48 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was all about sealing the deal. An 8-0 run, capped by Ugne Sirtautaite’s layup, put the Rams up 85-54 with just over two minutes left. While Saint Francis managed to narrow the gap slightly, the outcome was never in doubt. Controversial interpretation: Did Saint Francis simply run out of steam, or did Fordham’s relentless pressure break their spirit? Share your thoughts below.
By the numbers, Fordham’s performance was nothing short of impressive: 21 assists, 16 offensive rebounds, and a turnover margin of +14. Final question for you: Is this Fordham team a contender to watch this season, or is it too early to tell? Let the debate begin!