Morristown, NJ. - The Notre Dame of Maryland men's basketball team pushed Saint Elizabeth University to overtime, but could not pull out the victory, falling by a score of 80-75 on Saturday, Dec. 2.  

The Gators got off to a fast start, taking the early lead off baskets by Jahbrecco Dacosta and Jermaine Koger Jr. Daraun Gray extended the lead drilling a 3-pointer to but the Gators ahead 9-0. Later in the quarter, Jalen Yates knocked down the step-back 3-pointer, giving NDMU a 14-2 advantage. Marquis James and Clarence Obiajulu converted layups to give the Gators a 16-point advantage. Gray kept the Gators ahead, knocking down his second 3-pointer of the half. The Eagles began to rally back, going on a 9-3 run to close back within 13 points. Gray halted the run momentarily, hitting his third 3-pointer of the game. Saint Elizabeth scored the final 11 points of the half, making the score 33-26 at the break.  

The Eagles continued their momentum early in the second half, opening the half on an 11-2 run to take their first lead of the game. The Eagles took a five-point lead before Yates hit another 3-pointer, cutting the deficit back down to two. Yates hit again from beyond the arc, putting the Gators back ahead by one. After a couple of baskets by Saint Elizabeth, Yates hit a pull up jumper, putting the Gators ahead 44-43. The teams continued to trade baskets, with Yates's fourth 3-pointer of the game giving NDMU a 54-51 lead. Jackson Pugh slashed to the basket, converting a layup to give NDMU a five-point lead. The Eagles once again fought back going on an 8-2 run to pull back within one with 2:24 remaining. Saint Elizabeth converted a layup with 26 seconds remaining to hold a 66-64 lead. In the final seconds of regulation, Dacosta gathered in an offensive rebound and powered in the put back, tying the game at 68 and sending it to overtime.  

NDMU trailed by three early in the overtime period, when Obiajulu converted a layup in traffic. After a basket by the Eagles, Pugh converted two more free throws to keep NDMU within a point. After four-straight points by Saint Elizabeth, Gray hit another 3-pointer to cut the deficit back down to two with 35 seconds left. The Eagles hit a 3-pointer on their next possession, securing the 80-75 victory.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Yates led the Gators in scoring, finishing with 22 points, hitting four 3-pointers. 

• Gray also hit four 3-pointers, recording 14 points. 

• Pugh went 10-10 at the free throw line, posting 14 points and six assists. 

• Koger Jr. reached double figures, scoring 10 points.  

• Saint Elizabeth was led by Tye-Rell Monroe who finished with 23 points.  

WHO'S NEXT? 
The Gators will return home to face Wilson College on Wednesday, December 6. 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.