BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team made a statement in their CSAC opener, defeating Rosemont College by a score of 100-50 on Tuesday, November 22 in the MBK Sports Complex. The Gators used an aggressive defensive attack that forced 32 turnovers, resulting in 32 fast break points.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (3-2 overall, 1-0 CSAC) started quickly racing out to 9-0 lead, with the backcourt duo of Alexis Durham and Kori People scoring all the team's points. Rosemont (0-4 overall, 0-1 CSAC) slowed the run, pulling back with seven. Daija Fitchett pulled in an offensive rebound and put it back in the basket to reestablish a nine-point lead.  The Gators used their defense to create turnovers that resulted in easy baskets in transition. NDMU rattled off 13 straight points capped off by a 3-pointer from People to balloon the lead to 20 points.  The Gators led 26-8 heading into the second quarter. 
 
Alexis Jones started the scoring for NDMU in the second quarter, hustling out on the break for a layup. The Gators continued to attack the post with Ayana Brim and Fitchett working inside for layups. NDMU defense held the Ravens to just eight points in quarter, giving the Gators a 41-16 advantage going into the half. 
 
NDMU continued to push their advantage in the second half, using a 13-5 run to open the half that gave the team a 33-point lead. The Ravens matched the Gators scoring for most of the final four minutes of the third quarter, but NDMU still led 73-35 going into the fourth quarter. Holding a large lead, the Gators turned to their depth, giving some younger players an opportunity to play.  Brie Bush and Elena Rodriguez scored baskets down the stretch to push the Gators to the 100-point mark.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• People was the Gators top scorer, finishing the game 22 points, eight assists, five steals and five rebounds
• Durham recorded a double-double, posting 17 points and 14 assists
• Brim scored her season high in points, recording 20 points on 8-11 shooting from the field
• Fitchett made a major impact in the post, scoring 14 points and pulling in a team high seven rebounds
• NDMU forced 32 turnovers, including 16 steals, resulting in 32 fast break points
• The Gators won the battle on glass, holding a 39-25 edge in rebounds
• Rosemont was led by Angel Ricks, who scored 13 points
• The Gators reached the 100-point mark for the first time since their win over Hollins University on November 21, 2008 

WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will pause for Thanksgiving Break before hosting Wilson College on Wednesday, November 30 in a critical CSAC matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.