WEEK 3 STATS: 23.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 apg, .500 FG pct., .400 3FG pct., 1.000 FT pct.
Cruz carried the scoring load in the fourth quarter of Fairleigh Dickinson’s victory over WAC member Grand Canyon. Helping FDU end its appearance in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Challenge on a winning note, Cruz scored nine of her team-high 23 points during the final period of a 74-68 triumph. She also contributed four rebounds, one steal and one assist in 37 minutes of action. Cruz accounted for nine straight FDU points during a 2:38 span that saw the Knights turn a 55-52 deficit into a 63-59 advantage. FDU retook the lead for good on a Cruz layup that broke a 59-59 tie with 5:10 remaining in regulation. The 5-foot-7 senior shot 50 percent from the floor, including a 2-of-5 sample from downtown. Cruz, who captured the 2013-14 NCAA Division I statistical free throw championship, went a perfect 3-for-3 from the charity stripe in the neutral court win over Grand Canyon.