Morristown, NJ – The Notre Dame of Maryland University women's basketball team overcame a late deficit to rally back and defeat Saint Elizabeth University in overtime by a score of 73-66 on Saturday, Dec. 2.  

The Gators got off to a slow start, allowing the Eagles to race out to an early 9-2 lead four minutes into the game. Amya Durham sparked NDMU's offense, knocking down a 3-pointer. Amani Watts and Hillary Howard finished back-to-back layups, tying the game at nine. Durham gave the Gators their first lead of the game, swishing her second 3-pointer of the game. The teams traded the lead in the final minutes of the opening quarter with the Eagles using a 4-0 run to take a 17-15 advantage into the second quarter.  

Watts immediately tied the game up on NDMU's first possession of the quarter, and then Durham put the Gators ahead draining her third 3-pointer of the half. Watts continued to battle inside, converting two-straight layups that sparked a 11-3 run. The rally was punctuated by another 3-pointer by Durham, that gave NDMU a 33-24 advantage at the break. 

The Eagles looked to climb back into the game in the third quarter, with Saint Elizabeth scoring the first six points of the half. Bethani Newbold and Watts tried to halt the Eagles momentum, converting a pair of difficult layups in the paint. The Eagles continued to fight back, capitalizing on several turnovers to tie the game at 37 with just over 2:00 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Saint Elizabeth closed out the third quarter on a 44-39 run to lead heading into the fourth quarter.  

The Gators tried to battle back in the game with Watts scoring again in the post and Chantel Curry knocking down a 3-pointer, but the Eagles answered right back each time. Trailing 59-50 with just over two minutes remaining in the game, the Gators made one final push. Durham knocked down her fifth 3-pointer of the game and then Curry slashed to the basket for a layup. After a layup by the Eagles, Durham splashed another 3-pointer to bring NDMU within one possession. A late technical foul by the Eagles gave the Gators a chance to get back in the game. Watts converted a free throw and on the ensuing Gators possession, Newbold knocked down a jump shot to tie the game at 61. NDMU would get a stop on the Eagles final possession of regulation, and Watts got one final look in the closing seconds, but did not get the shot off in time, sending the game to overtime.  

NDMU struck first in overtime with Watts converting two more free throws. Durham drew a foul on a 3-point attempt, hitting three huge free throws to put NDMU ahead by four. After an Eagles basket, Watts scored four-straight points to give the Gators a 70-64 lead. She then put the game away with one final layup, to secure the 73-64.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Watts continued her outstanding freshman season recording her first ever 20-20 game, finishing with 25 points and 20 rebounds 

• Durham had her best shooting night of the season, hitting six 3-pointers and finishing with 22 points. 

• Curry and Howard made key plays down the stretch, finishing with eight points each.  

• The Gators won the battle on the glass, holding a 51-29 edge in rebounds. 

• The Eagles were led by Destiny Battle, who scored 21 points. 

WHO'S NEXT? 
The Gators will return home to continue United East play when they host Wilson College on Tuesday, Dec. 5. 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.