Women's Basketball Nips Rider 52-50 to Win Fourth Straight

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Senior Katie Cizynski found senior Brittany Obi-Tabot in the closing seconds of the game to lift the Fairfield University women's basketball team to a 52-50 win over Rider University this evening at Webster Bank Arena. It was the fourth-straight victory for the Stags who improve to 16-8 overall and 11-4 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).

Cizynski posted 15 points and eight rebounds while Obi-Tabot finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Junior Felicia DaCruz added 14 points and six rebounds in 40 minutes of play.

The offense was limited in the first half as Rider took a slight 22-20 lead into the break. In the second half, there were six ties and nine lead changes with neither team leading by more than five points.

With the score tied 43-43 in the second half, Rider (12-12; 8-7 MAAC) used a quick 5-0 run to pull ahead of the Stags with 3:44 remaining. A pair of free throws by DaCruz at 2:47 made it a three-point game. Cizynski followed with a pair of free throws of her own at the two-minute mark to pull the Stags within 48-47. With 54 seconds left, the Broncs put the Stags at the charity stripe once more. This time, sophomore Kristin Schatzlein netted a pair of free throws to give the Stags a 49-48 lead.

Rider regained the lead, 50-49, with 35 seconds left after free throws by Shereen Lightbourne. Fairfield had three chances to score over the next 20 seconds but the Broncs were able to come up with the stop. But with just three seconds remaining, Cizynski found Obi-Tabot cutting backdoor and Obi-Tabot tucked it and was fouled. She sank a free throw to send the Stags off with the 52-50 victory.

For Rider, Mikal Johnson had 22 points and eight rebounds. MyNeshia McKenzie grabbed 11 rebounds but was held to just six points.

Fairfield returns to Webster Bank Arena on February 15 when Saint Peter's University visits at 1:30pm for the Stags Play4Kay game. Join the Stags in the fight against breast cancer! Fans can use the promo code 'PINK' at the WBA Box Office window to receive a $5 ticket.

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