Despite double-digit offensive efforts from four Bobcats on Tuesday night, the Quinnipiac women’s basketball team fell short in overtime to the Fordham Rams, 79-71. The preseason MAAC favorite starts its season 0-1.

The Rams opened up at home with the first basket of the game and held onto the lead for the entirety of the first quarter. Fordham’s Asiah Dingle scored eight, setting the tone with a 17-13 edge heading into the second.

Quinnipiac battled back, chipping away at the lead with points from Mikala Morris and Rose Caverly. With three minutes left in the first half, the Bobcats got their first lead of the night on a Caverly three and a jumper from Mackenzie DeWees. Quinnipiac led 35-30 at the halftime buzzer.

The third quarter brought turnover struggles for Quinnipiac that Dingle capitalized on, scoring six consecutive points in the first three minutes. The Rams retook the 41-39 lead with a three-pointer from Kaitlyn Downey. Seven turnovers from Quinnipiac helped Fordham to the 53-45 lead at the end of the third.

DeWees and the Bobcats continued to work offensively as they held Fordham to 12 points, their lowest-scoring quarter in the game. Fouls brought multiple Bobcats to the line until a free throw from Mackenzie Helms brought them within two with 22 seconds left. Dingle got two opportunities but missed one to barely extend their lead to 65-62.

On Quinnipiac’s last possession, Amani Free inbounded to Caverly, who fought her way through Rams defenders. With three seconds remaining, Caverly drained a three to take Fordham to overtime at 65-65.

Both teams offensively struggled in overtime, putting up multiple shots but not finding the net. A layup from Fordham’s Kendell Heremaia retook the lead that they would hold for the remainder of overtime.

For the Bobcats:

-Caverly lead in scoring with 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

-DeWees and Morris led defensively with 16 rebounds combined while dropping a matching 15 points each.

-Helms hit double-digits with 10 points, one rebound, and three assists in her first game as a Bobcat.

For the Rams:

-Dingle had a standout game with 34 points, six rebounds, and three assists, going 11-7 from the field and 11-13 at the line.

-Anna DeWolfe scored 17 points with four assists.

-Downey notched a double-double with 14 points, three assists, and 10 rebounds.

Up Next:

Quinnipiac looks to bounce back in their second game of the season on the road at Central Connecticut. Tip-off is slated for 1 pm this Saturday.