BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat defending CSAC Champions Clarks Summit University by a score of 74-65 on Wednesday, Jan. 11 in the MBK Sports Complex.
 
Kori People recorded her first double-double of the season, finishing the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Daija Fitchett earned her third double-double in the last four games, posting 16 points and 11 rebounds. Alexis Durham and Alexis Jones reached double figures, with each player positing 12 points.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (11-3 overall, 7-0 CSAC) fell in an early hole, allowing the Defenders (6-6 overall, 4-2 CSAC) to go on a 13-2 run and take an 11-point lead. In the closing seconds of the opening quarter People found Jones for an easy layup to cut the Defenders advantage back to nine. 
 
Clarks Summit quickly grew their lead in the second quarter, drilling one of their six 3-pointers. People went to work, hitting two free throws and converting a steal and score to close the gap. The Gators trailed by eight points for most of the quarter, with Amya Durham finishing a layup in transition off a great pass from Alexis Durham to cut the deficit down to six. The teams traded baskets before the half, with the Defenders holding a 32-25 advantage at the break. 
 
People ignited the Gators' offense in the third quarter, drilling a 3-pointer from the wing on the team's first possession of the half. Moments later she again connected from distance to bring NDMU back within a single point. Jones came away with a steal at midcourt, getting the ball to Alexis Durham who found People for an easy layup to put the Gators ahead by one point. People scored 11 of NDMU's first 13 points of the half, launching them into a 13-4 run that gave them a five-point lead. The Defenders answered back, hitting another 3-pointers to tie the game at 44 with 2:17 remaining in the third quarter. A Chantel Curry free throw put the Gators ahead 49-48 heading to the fourth quarter. 
 
Fitchett started the final quarter with a layup and Jones knocked down an 18-foot jump shot to keep NDMU in front. Fitchett converted back-to-back layups to put the Gators ahead by seven. Jones and Durham splashed jumpers, extending the advantage. On a fast break, Durham found Bethani Newbold for a layup that gave NDMU a 65-53 lead. The Defenders could not pull within eight points down the stretch, allowing the Gators to power to a 74-65 victory.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• After a cold shooting start, the Gators rebounded shooting 50% from the field in the second half
• People sparked NDMU's offense finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds 
• Alexis Durham filled the stat sheet, finishing with 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds
• NDMU won the battle on the glass, holding a 46-39 edge in rebounds
• Fitchett has hit her stride, recording another double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds
• The Gators bench made a major impact, contributing 16 points
• Jones matched a career high, scoring 12 points in 18 minutes of action
• Clarks Summit was led by Elizabeth Singleton who finished the game with 19 points

 
HISTORICAL NOTES
Fitchett moved into 8^th in program history in points with 990, passing Karen Burley (982) who played from 1998-02 and Emily Yanero (983) who played from 1994-98. 
 
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will head to Bryn Athyn for a matchup with the Lions on Saturday Jan.14. Tip-off is schedule for 1p.m.  
 
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.