NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a gritty, defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities at the foul line, Fordham held off Davidson 63-59 in an Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Rose Hill Gym.

The Rams, who avenged a five-point loss to the Wildcats just a month prior, improved to 16-12 overall. Davidson fell to 16-11.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute with Fordham clinging to a 60-58 lead. Davidson’ Parker Friedrichsen was fouled on a three-point attempt with 37 seconds remaining and calmly sank all three free throws to put the Wildcats ahead 61-60. On the ensuing possession, Fordham’s DeJour Reaves drew a foul and hit both of his free throws with 22 seconds left to reclaim a 62-61 advantage for the Rams.

Davidson had a chance to take the lead, but Roberts Blums missed a layup with 30 seconds to go. Reaves secured the defensive rebound, was fouled again, and made one of two free throws to extend Fordham’s lead to 63-61 with 12 seconds left. Davidson’s final possession ended with a missed three-pointer by Hunter Adam, and a final free throw by Christian Henry provided the final margin.

The game’s outcome was heavily influenced by stark disparities at the free throw line and in ball security. Davidson shot a catastrophic 5 for 16 from the charity stripe, leaving a crucial 11 points off the board in a four-point loss. Fordham, while not stellar, capitalized more effectively, making 18 of 28 attempts.

Fordham’s defense also forced Davidson into a disjointed offensive performance. The Rams recorded 10 steals and caused 13 Wildcats turnovers, converting them into 14 points. Davidson managed only two assists against those 13 turnovers, highlighting their offensive struggles. Conversely, Fordham committed just nine turnovers and dished out 10 assists.

DeJour Reaves led all scorers with 21 points for Fordham, adding four rebounds and two assists. His clutch free throws in the final minute sealed the victory. Christian Henry facilitated the offense with 11 points and six assists, while Rikus Schulte anchored the interior with nine points, nine rebounds and three assists.

Davidson was led by Roberts Blums, who scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds. Parker Friedrichsen added 13 points, all from beyond the arc or the foul line. The Wildcats shot a respectable 44% from the field and 45% from three-point range but were ultimately undone by their inability to convert free points and take care of the basketball.

Fordham built a 29-27 halftime lead and maintained a narrow advantage throughout much of the second half, with Davidson never leading by more than a single possession after the break. The Rams’ efficiency on offense, scoring 63 points on just 58 possessions for an offensive rating of 108.1, outpaced Davidson’s 59 points on 60 possessions.

Both teams continue conference play next week. Fordham travels to VCU on Feb. 28, while Davidson visits Duquesne on Feb. 25.