MADISON, NJ — Despite a career-best 20 points from Thalia Kayiranga, Notre Dame of Maryland couldn't complete a fourth-quarter rally and dropped a tight 68–63 decision to FDU-Florham on Wednesday night at the Ferguson Recreation Center.

The Gators (1–5) trailed by as many as eight in the second half but pulled within one possession multiple times in the final two minutes. Kayiranga scored 11 of her 20 after halftime, including a fast-break layup with 1:15 remaining that cut the deficit to 60–58. But the Devils (5–2) answered with a Christina Sullivan runner at the 0:49 mark and then sealed the game at the line, hitting eight free throws in the final 22 seconds.

Notre Dame leaned heavily on its bench, which outscored FDU-Florham 41–18. Amani Watts added nine points, Yasmeen Yussuf had six points and four rebounds, and Raina Burns sparked the fourth-quarter push with seven points and four steals.

The Gators opened strong, building a 12–4 lead behind baskets from Watts, Yussuf and a corner three from Marecia Barnett. But FDU closed the quarter on a 13–4 run and the game remained tight through halftime, tied or within one possession for most of the first 20 minutes.

FDU's Christina Centeno and Sullivan combined for 28 points, and the Devils' ability to convert second-chance opportunities, 23 points off offensive rebounds, proved critical in a game with 11 lead changes. Notre Dame shot 36 percent and forced 25 turnovers but struggled from deep (3-for-15).

The Gators will look tip off their conference schedule over the weekend as they travel to Valley Forge on Saturday, December 6 at 3:30 PM. Notre Dame has dominated the series, winning the last nine contests between the two teams.