In a tightly contested game, the Fordham University women’s basketball team narrowly fell short against Xavier, with a final score of 71-62. The match marked the conclusion of the Raising the B.A.R. Invitational and the Rams' non-conference play. Despite trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, Fordham mounted a spirited comeback, reducing the deficit to just four points with less than a minute remaining. However, Xavier managed to secure victory through crucial free throws. The Rams now stand at a 6-5 record for the season, while Xavier improved to 5-6.

Game Details: Fordham's Strong Performance Against Xavier

In a fiercely competitive encounter on the court, the Fordham Rams showcased remarkable resilience against the Xavier Musketeers. On Sunday, December 29th, the two teams faced off in what would be Fordham’s last non-conference game of the season. The Rams took an early lead, holding Xavier without a field goal for over five minutes in the first quarter. By halftime, Fordham had established a slim two-point advantage.

The third quarter saw Xavier regain momentum, outscoring Fordham by 11 points and taking a 50-41 lead into the final period. Yet, the Rams refused to back down. In the fourth quarter, they fought back from a significant deficit, nearly tying the game with just seconds left. Ultimately, Xavier held their ground at the free throw line to clinch the win.

Taylor Donaldson was the standout performer for Fordham, scoring 24 points for the second consecutive night, along with nine rebounds and five steals. Irene Murua also delivered an impressive performance, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 offensive rebounds. Notably, Fordham dominated the boards, outrebounding Xavier 49-29 overall, including 27 offensive rebounds—a feat not seen since November 26, 2003, when the team gathered 30 offensive rebounds against Dartmouth.

Looking ahead, Fordham will return to action on December 29th, as they prepare to face UMass in their first Atlantic 10 conference game of the season.

From a journalist's perspective, this game exemplifies the tenacity and determination of the Fordham women’s basketball team. Despite facing adversity, they demonstrated an unwavering spirit that kept them within striking distance until the very end. This loss serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement as they gear up for their upcoming conference games. The Rams’ ability to mount a late-game rally is a testament to their resilience and promise for the remainder of the season.