SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- A total team effort led to the Fordham women's basketball team's fourth straight victory, as the Rams had no problem dismantling Incarnate Word, 74-42, Friday afternoon to begin the UTSA Thanksgiving Classic inside the Convocation Center. With the victory, Fordham improves to 4-2 on the season, while the Cardinals fall to 2-3 overall.
The Rams led wire to wire and were never threatened after scoring nine of the game's first 11 points en route to jumping out to a 21-8 lead with 9:51 to go before halftime. The lead would stretch to as many as 23 in the first half (36-13), before Fordham headed into the break leading 36-19.
The Rams caught fire from the field in the second half and shot 61.9 percent (13-of-21), including 5-of-8 from three-point range, as they outscored Incarnate Word by 15 over the final 20 minutes. Fordham shot a season-best 49.1 percent from the floor (26-of-53), canned a season-high 11 three's (on 20 attempts) and won the battle on the glass, 44-33, to set a new season best in rebounds. Fordham also dished out a season-high 18 assists (on 26 made buckets).
The defense continued to stay hot, as the Rams held their fourth straight opponent to 46 points or less and under 34.0 percent from the floor. Fordham held Incarnate Word to just 28.4 percent (19-of-67) for a new season low and only 1-of-10 from distance. The Rams also tied a season high in steals (10) and set a new season best in blocks (5).
Every dressed player for Fordham scored on the day, with three players reaching double figures. Sophomore
Hannah Missry came off the bench and torched the Cardinals with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, while grabbing four rebounds. Junior
Samantha Clark produced her first double-double of the season with 15 points and a season-high 12 rebounds to go along with three assists and a season-best three blocks. Freshman
Asnate Fomina chipped in a season-high 11 points after making 3-of-7 from behind the arc, while graduate student
Tiffany Ruffin dished out a game-high five assists and added eight points.
Melina Merritt led Incarnate Word with 10 points, while Yvonne Maosa led the Cardinals on the backboard with 10 rebounds.
The Rams return to the court Sunday, Nov. 30 when they conclude the UTSA Thanksgiving classic against Drake. Tipoff from the Convocation Center is slated for 3:30 p.m. EST.
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