Box Score MORRISTOWN, NJ- The Notre Dame of Maryland University women's basketball team overcame a slow start and rallied to defeat Saint Elizabeth University by a score of 65-47 on Tuesday night, Jan. 3.
Daija Fitchett had her best game of the season, finishing the game with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Ayana Brim made an impact in the paint, scoring 18 points.
Michel Rivera chipped in scoring eight points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (8-3 overall, 4-0 CSAC) got off to a sluggish start falling in an early hole after the Eagles (4-6 overall, 2-2 CSAC) went on a 13-0. Fitchett settled the offense, knocking down a jump shot to bring the Gators back within seven points. NDMU went on an 8-2 run, featuring several key layups from Brim.
Fitchett put the Gators ahead early in the second quarter, converting back-to-back layups. After Saint Elizabeth surged back in front,
Bethani Newbold converted a three-point play to bring the Gators back within a point. The teams traded the lead in the closing minutes of the half, with the score being tied at 26 apiece going into the half.
The game remained tied throughout the first five minutes of the third quarter, with Brim putting the Gators ahead by two, 36-34. Fitchett stretched the lead to four converting a layup. Having captured the momentum, NDMU capitalized scoring the final 12 points of the quarter to hold a 46-34 advantage.
The Gators opened the fourth quarter on a 12-4 run featuring baskets from
Michel Rivera and
Chantel Curry. The Eagles made one final push, using a 6-0 run to close back within 13 points. NDMU converted several free throws down the stretch, clinching the victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Fitchett led the charge recording her first double-double of the season
- The Gators held a 40-26 edge in points in the paint
- Alexis Durham dished 11 assists
- NDMU shot 44.6 percent from the field
- Rivera added eight points key points in a reserve role
- The Gators won the battle on the glass (40-33).
- The Eagles were led by Destiny Battle, who scored 16 points.
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will return home to face Keystone College on Thursday night, Jan. 5. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.
