With the win, the Devils improved to 10-4 (2-1 Freedom Conference) while DeSales dropped to 10-3 (2-1 Freedom Conference).
After a back-and-forth start that saw the Devils take a 15-14 lead with 12:39 left in the first half, FDU went on a 15-1 run over the next five minutes to take a 30-15 lead with 7:06 left in the half. Sophomore guard Brandon Matano (Honolulu, HI/Paramus Catholic) had six points in the run while sophomore guard Ryan McPherson (West Orange, NJ/West Orange) added five points. FDU didn’t let up, ending the half with a 40-21 lead.
In the second half, the closest DeSales could was 17 points in the opening minute. The Devils continued with their high energy, keeping the lead in the mid twenties for most of the second half.
“Overall, tonight was a great team defensive effort. Our guys really focused in over the past few days in practice in preparation for our game tonight,” said assistant coach Bill Zotti. “Hopefully, this effort on both ends of the floor will give us confidence for the rest of the season.”
McPherson finished the game with 14 points while senior guard Frank Emslie (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan) added 13 points. Sophomore forward Andrew Biancosino (Edison, NJ/JP Stevens) had 10 points and six boards off the bench.
The Devils return to action on Saturday, January 13, 2007, at home against Lycoming beginning at 3 pm.