BALTIMORE - The Notre Dame of Maryland men's basketball team fell in its road matchup with Goucher College by a score of 66-55 on Saturday, Dec. 16.  

The Gophers got off to a strong start, scoring the first 11 points of the game, taking a commanding lead. Jalen Yates got the Gators on the board, knocking down a jump shot. Later in the half, Azaan Sheikh drilled a 3-pointer to pull the Gators back within seven points. Goucher went on an 8-0 run building their lead to 15 points. The Gators tried to battle back, after a pair of free throws by Cole Matthews, Jahbreco Dacosta knocked down a jump shot. NDMU continued to close the gap, scoring the final six points of the half, with Marquis James converting a pair of layups inside the last minute.  

Jermaine Koger Jr. opened the second half by knocking down a jump shot to close the gap back down to five. Goucher halted the rally, going on a 9-2 run to retake a double-digit lead. The Gophers continued to pull away, taking a 50-31 lead with over 10 minutes remaining in the game. Dacosta tried to pull the Gators back into contention, scoring 11 points over the final 10 minutes. NDMU managed to close with nine points, but could not overcome the deficit, falling by a score of 66-55.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Dacosta recorded his second career double-double finishing the game with 17 points and 11 rebounds.  

• Yates reached double figures, scoring 11 points off the bench.  

• Sheikh went 2-2 from beyond the arc, finishing the game with eight points.  

• Goucher won the battle on the glass, finishing with a 40-36 edge in rebounds. 

• The Gophers were led by Can Dalli who scored 24 points.  

WHO'S NEXT? 
The Gators will pause for the holiday break, returning to action on Jan. 3 when they host Clarks Summit University. The tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 PM 

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