BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame of Maryland men's basketball team hung with St. Mary's College of Maryland in their inaugural home game, eventually falling to the Seahawks by a score of 77-67 on Monday, Nov. 27.  

The Gators fell behind early, allowing St. Mary's to score the first four baskets and take a 9-0 lead. Daraun Gray put the Gators on the board, knocking down a 3-pointer from the wing. After a pair of free throws by Jackson Pugh, Gray again swished a 3-pointer pulling NDMU back within eight points. Cole Matthews sparked a run knocking down a 3-pointer. The Gators scored seven straight points with Pugh's jumper making the score 18-15. Later in the half, Matthews found Azaan Sheikh for a corner 3-pointer, keeping NDMU within three points. With 4:35 remaining in the half, Pugh came away with a steal, nailing a 3-pointer in transition to tie the game at 25. Pugh would hit another 3-pointer and Marquis James finished a layup in transition to give NDMU a 30-25 lead. The Seahawks stormed back, scoring the final seven points of the half to lead 34-32 going into the half.  

The teams traded baskets throughout the opening minutes of the second half, with Jalen Yates tying the game at 37 with a 3-pointer. St. Mary's seemed to always have an answer slowly building a five-point lead with 13 minutes remaining in the game. Jermaine Koger Jr. and Yates each hit jump shots but could not pull the Gators any closer. James brought NDMU within one possession, drawing a foul on a layup and converting a three-point play to make the score 51-49. The Seahawks finally managed to pull away late in the half, using a 7-0 run to take a nine-point lead with only five minutes remaining. Gray tried to pull the Gators back into the game, hitting two deep 3-pointers, but NDMU could not get enough defensive stops to close the gap, eventually falling 77-67.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Pugh led the Gators in scoring, finishing the game with 16 points and six assists. 

• Gray continued to show why he is one of the best shooters in the conference, connecting on four 3-pointers.  

• James made the most of his 19 minutes, scoring 13 points on 5-7 shooting. 

• Yates hit three 3-pointers, scoring 12 points in the game.  

• St. Mary's won the battle on the glass, holding a 44-30 edge in rebounds 

• The Seahawks were led in scoring by Daryn Alexander who scored 23 points.  

WHO'S NEXT? 
The Gators will go back on the road, traveling to face Messiah University on Thursday, November 30. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.  

STAY CONNECTED 
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.