The Binghamton women’s basketball team heads to Hackensack, N.J., for FDU’s Christmas Classic tournament. They’ll face Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) on Monday at 2 p.m. and will take on either Penn or Maryland Eastern Shore on Tuesday at 1 or 4 p.m., depending on the earlier matchup.
In their last game, Binghamton bounced back with a strong 82-54 win over Colgate. Six players scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth. Kendall Bennett shined with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Bearcats demonstrated excellent shooting, hitting over 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.
Quick Facts About FDU
- FDU has a solid 8-3 record and is unbeaten at home.
- They recently crushed Ursinus 85-19 and are on a six-game winning streak.
- Last season, FDU went 16-0 in their conference and clinched their first NEC championship since 1992.
- Preseason polls labeled them as favorites for the NEC title, and Ava Renninger earned a spot on the preseason All-NEC Team.
Past Encounters
Binghamton and FDU have faced off since 2005, with the series tied at 4-4. FDU has won the last two encounters, the most recent being a 63-40 victory in 2021. Interestingly, Binghamton had a three-game winning streak against FDU from 2016 to 2019, averaging 71 points in those games.
Rookie Spotlight
Ashley Redd earned the title of America East Rookie of the Week this Monday. She impressed with eight points in just 11 minutes against Syracuse and then notched a career-high 12 points against Colgate. Redd is the second Bearcat to win this honor in consecutive weeks, a feat not achieved since January 2023.
National Rankings
Among 359 college basketball teams, Binghamton stands out:
- 42nd in turnovers forced per game (21.27)
- 50th in steals per game (11.0)
- 112th in scoring (71.5)
They also boast a 75.6% free-throw percentage, ranking 48th nationally. Bennett is among the top 50 players in the nation for double-doubles this season, further highlighting her impact on the court.
Rebounding Leader
Kendall Bennett is fifth in the conference for total rebounds with 86, averaging 7.8 per game. Her aggressive play also places her third in offensive rebounds and sixth in defensive boards, showing her all-around skill and determination.
Turnover Insights
Binghamton has a strong turnover margin, ranking third in the conference with an average of 3.36. They force a league-high 21.2 turnovers while committing about 17.8 themselves. This pressure can be a game-changer as they continue through the tournament.
Basketball is about teamwork, strategy, and a keen understanding of opponents. As Binghamton approaches this tournament, their recent stats and team dynamics highlight their potential for success.
For more information on NCAA basketball statistics and details, you can check reliable sources like the NCAA’s official website.
