HACKENSACK, N.J. — Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), located in both Teaneck and Hackensack, NJ, with an enrollment of roughly 6,400, is a longtime Division I college basketball team that competes in the Northeastern Conference (NEC). Known for its up-tempo pace, aggressive guard play, and perimeter shooting, the Knights gained national attention in 2023 after their historic NCAA Tournament upset of No. 1 seed Purdue. Now, FDU continues to build momentum within NEC conference play.
On a cold February night at the Bogota Savings Center, the FDU Knights hosted NEC rival Saint Francis University in a gritty, hard-fought matchup that ultimately ended in a 66-59 FDU victory.
FDU controlled much of the first half, setting a strong defensive tone and leading throughout. The Knights were active on the glass early, limiting second-chance opportunities and forcing Saint Francis into difficult shots. Despite committing nine first-half turnovers compared to the Red Flash’s four, FDU maintained a 29-25 advantage heading into halftime.
After halftime, Saint Francis came out aggressive, tightening its defensive pressure and capitalizing on FDU’s mistakes, tying the game within minutes at 34 and again at 38 before briefly taking the lead. Chris Moncreif and Gestin Liberis sparked the momentum, consistently attacking inside and shifting the game into a physical battle.
FDU, though, was able to respond with timely shot-making and its interior strength. A mid-range jumper from Arthur Cox and a transition layup by David Jevtiv helped halt the Red Flash’s momentum and reestablish control of the game. From there, the Knights leaned on their athleticism and rebounding to regain the edge.
Taeshuad Jackson delivered the game’s defining performance, finishing with 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, and converting 8-of-10 behind the free throw line. His late and-one finish sparked the crowd and extended FDU’s lead during a crucial stretch. Cyril Martynov also contributed key rebounds and defensive stops throughout the second half.
Both teams struggled behind the arc, with Saint Francis shooting 5-of-26 and FDU finishing 4-of-18. As a result, the game became a defensive grind, full of contested drives and hard-fought rebounds. With under five minutes remaining, FDU entered the double bonus, allowing the Knights to further extend their lead.
Joey Niesman added 14 points and delivered a late basket that sealed the game with just 33 seconds remaining, pushing FDU’s lead to 10.
The win marks FDU’s third consecutive victory, improving the Knights to 10-16 overall and 7-6 in NEC play, good for fourth place in the 10-team conference standings. For Saint Francis, it marks their fifth straight loss, dropping them to 6-19 overall and 4-8 in conference play.
The Bogota Savings Bank Center felt energized throughout the evening, as a mix of students, families, and younger fans created a fun atmosphere. The evening featured frequent fan contests and t-shirt tosses. After the game, many FDU players greeted and signed autographs for the younger fans.
For Princeton Day School students looking to experience Division I basketball close to home, FDU offers an easily accessible, competitive environment just a short drive away. With an engaging game-day experience and a continued win streak, the Knights provide a compelling local program to follow.
