BALTIMORE – The Notre Dame of Maryland University women's basketball team opened United East play with a victory, defeating Cedar Crest College by a score of 70-30 on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
The Gators started fast, scoring five-straight points with Bethani Newbold and Hillary Howard each connecting on jump shots. After back-to-back layups by Amani Watts, Ny'Asia Futrell drilled a 3-pointer. Howard closed out the quarter with a layup, giving NDMU a 15-4 lead going to the second quarter.
NDMU kept the momentum going, using a 12-0 run sparked by a 3-pointer by Chantel Curry that gave the Gators 27-4 lead. Cedar Crest tried to climb back in the game, scoring five-straight points to close with 18 with 1:26 remaining in the half. NDMU answered, finishing the half on a 5-0 run to lead 32-9 at the break.
The Gators continued to pull away in the third quarter, with Howard and Watts showing off their mid-range shooting abilities, knocking down several jump shots. Futrell again connected from beyond the arc, putting the Gators ahead 46-13. NDMU grew the lead to 42 points with an 8-0 run to close the quarter. In complete control of the game, the Gators capitalized on the opportunity to get some younger players experience in the fourth quarter, powering them to a 70-30 victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
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Watts recorded another double-double, scoring 19 points and pulling in 17 rebounds.
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Howard scored 13 points and pulled down eight rebounds.
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Curry made an impact off the bench, scoring 10 points, going 4-4 from the field.
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The Gators won the battle on the glass, holding a 51-29 edge in rebounds.
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NDMU forced 28 turnovers, scoring 27 points off those turnovers.
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The Falcons were led in scoring by Nicole Sachman who scored eight points.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Gators will head to New Jersey for a conference showdown with St. Elizabeth University on Saturday, Dec. 1. The tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.