NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights delivered a commanding defensive performance, cruising to a 71-43 victory over the NJIT Highlanders in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Tuesday night at the Fleisher Athletic Center.

From the opening tip, the Knights established a dominance that NJIT never challenged. Fairleigh Dickinson raced out to a 22-10 lead after the first quarter and extended its advantage to 38-20 by halftime. The Knights maintained their intensity after the break, outscoring the Highlanders 17-14 in the third quarter and 16-9 in the fourth to seal the lopsided win.

The Knights’ offense was powered by a standout backcourt performance. Ava Renninger, a guard from Yardley, Pennsylvania, led all scorers with 20 points, demonstrating a versatile scoring touch from all over the court. She also dished out five assists in 32 minutes of action. She was complemented by fellow guard Kailee McDonald of Lowell, Massachusetts, who added 17 points, also playing 32 minutes.

Fairleigh Dickinson’s defense was the story of the game, however, as they consistently disrupted NJIT’s offensive flow, forcing numerous turnovers and converting them into points. The Knights’ length and activity in the passing lanes stifled the Highlanders throughout the contest.

Rebecca Osei-Owusu of Brooklyn, New York, provided a strong all-around effort for the Knights, contributing six points, three assists and a blocked shot. The Knights also received valuable bench contributions, with six different reserves combining for 18 points, including six from Townsend, Delaware, native Tyler Edwards, who scored all of her points in the fourth quarter.

For NJIT, the offensive struggles were pervasive. The Highlanders were held to single-digit scoring in two quarters and could not find any sustained rhythm against the swarming Knights defense.

With the victory, Fairleigh Dickinson improves its season record to 4-3. The Knights have now won two consecutive games following a three-game skid. NJIT, which had won six of its first seven games, sees its record fall to 6-2.

The Knights return to action on Saturday when they host Monmouth. NJIT will look to rebound at home on Sunday against Lafayette.