BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team capitalized on triple-double from Alexis Durham, defeating Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) opponent Wilson College by a score of 76-66 on Wednesday, November 30. Durham filled the stat sheet, finishing the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to go along with six steals. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (4-2 overall, 2-0 CSAC) trailed early in the first quarter, but they made the most of several trips to the free throw line to keep pace with the Phoenix (2-4 overall, 1-1 CSAC). Alexis Durham put the Gators in front, converting a steal-and-score midway through the quarter. Kori People expanded the lead drilling her first 3-pointer of the game. A few minutes later, People again connected from distance, this time drawing a foul and completing a four-point play. Elena Rodriguez and Daija Fitchett knocked down jump shots, giving NDMU an 18-10 lead going to the second quarter. 
 
Amya Durham opened the scoring in the second quarter, putting back in an offense rebound to put the Gators ahead by 10. Later in the quarter, People and Durham each buried a 3-pointer, helping NDMU expand their advantage to 14-points. The Phoenix battled back, using a 9-0 run to close within five. People halted the run hitting two more 3-pointers, turning the second into a four-point play. For the game, People was 6-10 from beyond the arc. Wilson scored the final four points of the half, but the Gators held a 39-33 advantage at the break. 
 
NDMU quickly stretched their lead in the third quarter, using a 10-4 capped off by a layup from Bethani Newbold to take a 49-37 lead. Wilson would not go away, scoring the next nine points to pull back within three-points. People halted the run, knocking down a long jumper from the corner. Durham converted a steal-and-score in the closing seconds of the quarter to give the Gators a 56-49 lead heading to the final frame. 
 
The Gators and Phoenix traded points throughout the majority of the fourth quarter, with Wilson never closing withing five points. With 2:32 remaining, Durham pulled in an offensive rebound and then hit a corner 3-pointer to give NDMU a 70-60 lead. The Gators converted key free throws down the stretch, eventually earning a 76-66 victory. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Durham was all over the court, posting an eye-popping 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists. She earned her first career triple-double in the process
• People led all scorers, recording 24 points on 6-10 shooting from beyond the arc. People entered the night ranked in the top 25 nationally in points per game and 3-pointers made
• Fitchett made her presents felt in the paint, scoring seven points and pulling in eight rebounds
• The Gators defense forced 20 turnovers, including swiping 13 steals
• Ayana Brim and Bethani Newbold each added seven points
• NDMU cleaned the glass, holding a 43-32 edge in rebounds
• Wilson was led in scoring by Bry Hicks, who scored 17 points off the bench

WHO'S NEXT
The Gators continue CSAC play when they host Cairn University on Saturday, December 3 at 1:00 p.m. in the MBK Sports Complex. 
 
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.