Clarks Summit, Pa.- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team picked up a historic victory over Clarks Summit, defeating the Defenders 86-76 on Saturday, Feb. 11. With the win, the Gators have clinched the CSAC regular season championship and the top seed in the CSAC Championship Tournament.
Kori People made a little history of her own, smashing the program's season points record by scoring 33 points. Alexis Durham found her rhythm going 3-3 from beyond the arc and racking up 20 points. Daija Fitchett recorded another double-double, finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (19-4 overall, 15-1 CSAC) and the Defenders (14-8 overall, 12-4 CSAC) traded early 3-pointers, with People knocking down one from the wing. Alexis Durham gave the Gators their first lead, hitting a 3-pointer. Ayana Brim and Bethani Newbold each convert layups, allowing NDMU to hold a 10-5 lead. The Defenders answered back, going on a 7-2 run to tie the game at 12. Chantel Curry came away with a steal, pushing the ball ahead to Durham who drew a foul and completed a three-point play. People connected on her second 3-pointer of the game to give NDMU a seven-point lead. People pushed the lead to 10, knocking down her third 3-pointer of the quarter. Alexis Jones knocked down a turnaround jump shot from the free throw line to give the Gators a 26-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter, with NDMU maintaining a nine-point advantage midway through the quarter. Alexis Durham sparked the offense, knocking down a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Off a steal, Newbold finished a layup in transition, to give the Gators a 12-point lead. Clarks Summit halted the run, scoring four straight points to close back within eight. The Gators stretched the lead before the half with People knocking down another 3-pointer. People closed the half with one last basket, giving NDMU a 44-29 lead at the break.
The Defenders raced out of the locker room, using a 10-2 run to pull right back into contention. Fitchett and Brim slowed the rally momentarily, but Clark Summit surged within seven with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter. People continued her outstanding shooting, knocking down another 3-pointer. The Defenders continued keep pace, answering each basket with one of their own. Michel Rivera hit a jump shot from the baseline and then People converted a three-point play to stretch the lead back to 10 points. The Gators led 68-59 going into the final frame.
NDMU began pulling away in the fourth quarter, starting when Durham finished a layup in the paint. People added five more points, including her sixth 3-pointer of the game. Durham added another 3-pointer, putting the Gators ahead by 14 points. Clarks Summit made one final push, pulling within seven points with 1:27 remaining. The Gators shut the door with Durham swishing one final jump shot to secure the 86-76 victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The Gators shot 43.4 percent from the floor, including shooting 56.3 percent from beyond the arc
- People hit six 3-pointers en route to scoring 33 points which is tied for the second most in a game in program history. The mark is the most in game since Khadija Mitchell scored 33 points against Immaculata in 2009.
- Alexis Durham once again filled the stat sheet, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals
- Fitchett recorded her sixth double-double of the season, recording 11 points and 14 rebounds
- Jones posted eight points in just 11 minutes of action
- NDMU pulled in 15 offensive rebounds that resulted in 24 key points
- Clarks Summit was led by Ashlyn Messinger who scored 23 points
HISTORICAL NOTE
Kori People became NDMU's single season scoring leader having scored 420 points this season. People passes Toyah Houck who scored 403 points during the 1992-93 season.
The Gators now have 19 wins this season, which are the most in a single season in school history, passing the 2006-07 NDMU team that won 18 games.
PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS
The Gators win paired with Saint Elizabeth's win over Wilson College mean that NDMU has officially clinched the 2023 CSAC Regular Season Championship and the top seed in the CSAC Tournament. NDMU will host a semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators will return home to take on Bryn Athyn College on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Earlier this season, the Gators defeated the Lions by a score of 64-52. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Arrive early as the Gators will celebrate senior night with a special presentation before the game.
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.
