CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Notre Dame basketball traveled to Colonial States Athletic Conference opponent, Wilson College Wednesday night in a crucial road game in the Gators final week of the regular season.  The Gators and Phoenix battled, keeping the game close all the way until the final quarter.

In the first quarter, NDMU started from behind, giving up two scores to Wilson before sophomore Keyeria Dawson posted a layup after reeling in an offense rebound.  The Phoenix eventually held a seven-point lead with just over three minutes left in the quarter.  The Gators closed out the half, going on a 5-1 run, going into the second quarter down three, 16-13.

Freshman Vanessa Dunn downed a three-pointer to open scoring in the second, seeing the score tied at 16 apiece.  A jumper by senior Justice Walrath assisted by Dunn on their next possession, gave Notre Dame their first lead of the game, with seven minutes remaining in the half. 

To close out the quarter, the Gators and Phoenix traded baskets, seeing three lead changes and three tied scores in the final six minutes of the quarter.  Wilson regained their lead with two-minutes left and went 6-0 run to close out the half, NDMU going into the half down six, 29-23.

NDMU did not give up the fight in third, keeping Wilson within range.  After the Phoenix went up by eight, the Gators answered with back-to-back three-pointers by Dawson and sophomore Adrianna Fletcher to cut the lead to two, 35-33.  Fletcher hit another three-pointer to close out the quarter, but Wilson went into the final frame up six, 42-36.

After battling back and chipping at the Wilson lead, a timely three-pointer by Dunn with 1:37 left to play got the Gators back within one, 48-47.  Having to stop the clock, NDMU had to foul, putting Wilson on the foul line.  Clutch free-throws by the Phoenix and costly turnovers by the Gators kept the game out of reach falling, 54-49.

Dawson was the leading scorer for the Gators, posting 14 points.  She went 2-for-3 from beyond the arc and added four more from the floor.  She also reeled in five rebounds and finished with two steals and an assist.

Dunn led the squad in three-pointers, downing three, while finishing the game with 10 points with an added free-throw.  She also helped on the boards, securing six rebounds, while finishing with two blocks, two steals, and two assists.

Freshman Daija Fitchett led the team in rebounds with 11, while also tallying eight points.  Continuing her strong ball distribution in the back half of the season, Walrath posted a game-leading six assists, while the team finished with 12.

Fletcher also tallied two three-pointers and a field goal, finishing with eight points and five rebounds.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Gators have one more home game this season as they host Clarks Summit University on Saturday.  With the number one and two seeds in the CSAC Playoffs locked, NDMU will be vying for home court advantage with a win against the Defenders.  Seniors Justice Walrath and Justine Mudiay will be honored prior to the start on Senior Day.  A Gator Rally will also be held for the campus community.