BALTIMORE– The Notre Dame of Maryland University women's basketball team won a thrilling matchup with Volt Division opponent St. Mary's College of Maryland by a score of 67-65 on Thursday, Dec. 7. 

The opening quarter of the game was fast paced, with the teams' trading baskets and the lead. Ny'Asia Futrell gave NDMU its first lead of the game, knocking down a 3-pointer. After the Seahawks tied the game at nine, Hillary Howard put back an offensive rebound to put the Gators back ahead. After Amya Durham knocked down a jump shot, Howard drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give NDMU a 16-9 lead. The Gators ended the opening quarter with a 5-0 with Durham hitting a 3-pointer in the final seconds to give the Gators a 25-17 lead heading into the second quarter.  

Amani Watts brought the crowd in the MBK Sports Complex to their feet, with a steal and score to put the Gators ahead by 10 points. The Seahawks fought back going on an 8-0 run to pull within two points midway through the quarter. Watts halted the run momentarily with layup, but St. Mary's (MD) managed to tie the game at 29. The Gators answered with two straight layups by Alexis Jones to retake the lead. Bethani Newbold converted two free throws to close the half, giving NDMU a 38-33 lead at the break.  

The Seahawks opened the second half on a 7-2 run, tying the game at 40 just over two minutes into the third quarter. After a pair of free throws by Watts, Durham drilled her second 3-pointer of the game to push NDMU's lead back to five. St. Mary's battled back, going on a 10-2 run to take a three-point lead which they held going into the fourth quarter.  

Howard opened the final frame by converting back-to-back layups to keep the Gators within a single point. St. Mary's (MD) rattled off seven-straight points to take an eight-lead with 5:55 remaining in the game. The Gators fought back starting with baskets by Chantel Curry and Jones that allowed NDMU to close within two points. Durham put the Gators back in front, swishing a 3-pointer from the wing to give the team a 63-62 lead. Durham and Jones connected on free throws to give the Gators a three-point lead with only nine seconds remaining in the game. The Seahawks' Amira Whitaker hit a deep 3-pointer to tie the game, giving NDMU one last chance. In the Gators final possession, Newbold slashed to the basket drawing the defense and laying a pass off to Jones who scored the go-ahead layup. The Seahawks got one last chance to tie the game, but could not convert in the final seconds, allowing NDMU to earn the 67-65 victory.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• Watts led the Gators in scoring, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.  

• Durham connected on three 3-pointers, finishing the game with 15 points and four assists. 

• Howard also recorded 15 points while gathering in seven rebounds. 

• Jones finished with 11 points, including the go-ahead basket with :05 seconds remaining in the game.  

• The Gators won the battle on the glass, finishing with a 28-22 edge in rebounds. 

• The Seahawks were led in scoring by Amira Whitaker who finished the game with 16 points.  

WHO'S NEXT? 
The Gators will travel to face the University of Valley Forge on Saturday, Dec. 9. 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.