BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team picked up a thrilling 65-64 win over Stevenson University on December 5 in the MBK Sports Complex. With only six seconds remaining in the game, Alexis Durham converted a free throw to secure the victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (6-2 overall, 3-0 CSAC) started slow, falling behind early in the first quarter. Daija Fitchett started the offense, knocking down a jump shot. Amya Durham and Ayana Brim finished back-to-back layups, giving NDMU their first lead of the game, 6-5. The Mustangs (2-5 overall, 1-1 MAC) responded, going on a 10-2 run to take an eight-point lead into the second quarter.
 
Kori People started the scoring in the second quarter, hitting a jump shot to cut the deficit down to six. Moments later, Alexis Durham came away with a steal-and-score to pull the Gators back within four points. NDMU remained within striking distance with Michel Rivera drilling a corner 3-pointer. With just over two minutes remaining in the half, People converted a three-point play to tie the game at 24. Stevenson scored five of the final eight points, holding a three-point lead at the half. 
 
The Mustangs quickly jumped out to an eight-point lead in the third quarter, but Fitchett slow the run scoring back-to-back layups. Later in the quarter, Amya Durham scored a layup in transition, keeping the Gators with two points. The Mustangs answered back, building a 49-44 going into the fourth quarter.
 
NDMU would not go away, pulling within two points when People converted three free throws. Two possessions later, Alexis Durham swished a 3-pointer from the wing, giving NDMU its first lead since the first quarter. The teams traded the lead nine times in the fourth quarter, with neither team leading by more than three points in the final five minutes. The game was tied at 64 with :18 seconds remaining when the Gators defense forced a turnover, getting the ball back with a chance to win the game. Alexis Durham slashed into the paint, drawing contact and earning a trip to the free throw line with only six seconds remaining. She missed the first free throw, but regained her composure and swished the second attempt giving the Gators a one-point lead. The Mustangs would get one final shot, but could not score, giving NDMU a 65-64 victory. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Alexis Durham led the Gators in scoring, finishing with 15 points
• Fitchett was a force in the paint, scoring 12 points and pulling in nine rebounds
• People reached double figures, scoring 12 while dishing four assists
• Amya Durham made a major impacted of the bench, scoring eight points
• The Gators won the battle on the glass, holding a 42-33 edge in rebounds
• Laci Johnson led Stevenson with 13 points 

 
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will hit the road to face St. Mary's (MD) on Saturday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m.
 
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.