Bryn Athyn, Pa.- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team improved to 8-0 in CSAC play, defeating Bryn Athyn by a score of 64-52 on Saturday, Jan. 14. 
 
Kori People lit up the scoreboard, scoring 24 points on 11-24 shooting. Alexis Durham reached double figures, finishing with 11 points. Amya Durham made an impact off the bench adding eight points and six rebounds. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (12-3 overall, 8-0 CSAC) started quickly, winning the opening tip and having People convert a fast break layup. The Lions (6-8 overall, 5-3 CSAC) quickly found their offensive rhythm, converting several long jump shots to build a 6-2 lead. The Gatos halted the run when Alexis Durham swiped a steal and found People in transition for a layup. People would add two more baskets, giving NDMU an 8-6 lead. Amya Durham extended the advantage, putting back on offensive rebound. Alexis Durham answered a Bryn Athyn 3-pointer, with a three of her own, keeping the Gators ahead by four heading to the second quarter. 
 
People remained hot to start the second quarter, knocking down a 15-foot jump shot. Alexis Durham slashed to the basket for a layup to give NDMU an eight-point lead. Alexis Jones helped NDMU maintain the advantage, scoring back-to-back baskets in the paint. Daija Fitchett found the bottom the net, hitting a short jump shot. Bryn Athyn made a push, scoring eight straight points to tie the game at 25 with two minutes remaining in the half. Fitchett slowed the run, putting back an offensive rebound to put the Gators back in front. It would not last as the Lions scored the final three points of the half to hold a 28-27 lead at the break. 
 
The Gators quickly regained the lead in the third quarter with People hitting a jump shot and Ayana Brim finishing a layup under the basket. Bryn Athyn responded with five straight points to go ahead by two. Brim tied the game at 33, once again connecting on a layup. Bethani Newbold scored her first points of the night, putting in a layup off a missed shot. People then hit a corner 3-pointer and finished a layup in transition to put NDMU ahead by five. Amya Durham kept the offense rolling knocking down a jump shot from the foul line. Alexis Durham converted a three-point play to stretch the lead to 45-38. Durham struck again in the closing seconds of the quarter, hitting a deep 3-pointer to give NDMU an eight-point lead heading to the fourth quarter. 
 
Fitchett gave the Gators a double-digit lead, early in the opening final frame. People extend the advantage to 12, hitting another jumper. A few possessions later, People came away with a steal and score to make the score 56-45. People then drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key. The Lions made another run, scoring five straight points to pull back within nine with a minute and a half remaining. Jones slammed the door shut, hitting a 3-pointer from the top of the key to put NDMU ahead by 12. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Gators shot 41.8 percent from the field
• People continued her offensive outburst, posting 24 more points
• Alexis Durham distributed the basketball, finishing with 11 points and eight assists
• Amya Durham finished with eight points and six rebounds in 18 minutes of action
• NDMU controlled the interior, holding a 42-16 advantage in points in the paint
• Jones had a career high eight rebounds to go along with seven points
• Second chance opportunities were huge for the Gators, with the team pulling in 19 offensive boards resulting in 21 second chance points
• The Lions were led by Emily Driver who scored 12 points

 
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will return home to take on Cedar Crest College on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. 
 
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.