Allentown, Pa.- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team closed out the regular season with an 80-56 win over Cedar Crest College on Saturday, Feb. 18. The Gators finished the regular season with a 17-1 record in CSAC play, earning the top seed in the conference tournament.
 
Alexis Durham led the Gators in scoring finishing with 22 points. Kori People added 21 points, going 5-6 from beyond the arc. Ayana Brim had an excellent outing, record 17 points. Daija Fitchett added one more double-double to her resume, posting 10 points and 11 rebounds. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (21-4 overall, 17-1 CSAC) raced out to an early four-point lead, with Fitchett and Brim powering in layups. The Falcons (3-16 overall, 3-14 CSAC) answered back, hitting two 3-pointer to grab a one-point lead. People immediately put NDMU back ahead, drilling a 3-pointer. That basket sparked an 11-2 run giving the Gators a 16-8 lead midway through the quarter. People continued to be lights out from distance, hitting two more 3-pointers to put the NDUM ahead 26-13 going to the second quarter. 
 
Cedar Crest remaining scrappy, pulling within nine points midway through the second quarter. Durham stretched the lead back to double digits, completing a three-point play. People added one more 3-pointer before the break, giving the Gators a 40-26 lead at the break.
 
The Gators used a 17-0 run in the third quarter to grab complete control of the game. The run featured two more 3-pointers from Durham, helping NDMU take a 61-31 lead. The Gators remained in control throughout the fourth quarter, rolling to an 80-56 victory. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Gators were efficient from the field, shooting 47.3 percent from the floor
• Durham continued to post impressive stat lines, finishing with 22 points, seven assists and seven rebounds
• NDMU had one of its best 3-point shooting performances, going 8-15 from beyond the arc
• People led that 3-point charge, going 5-6 from distance, finishing with 21 points
• The Gators defense forced 22 turnovers that directly led to 30 points
• Brim continued to be a powerhouse in the post, scoring 17 points
• NDMU won the battle on the glass, holding a 42-27 edge in rebounds
• Fitchett recorded her eighth double-double of the season, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds
• The Falcons were led by Ashley Wilson who scored a game-high 35 points

 
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators have no concluded their regular season, finishing with the best record in CSAC. The Gators will host the CSAC Semifinals on Wednesday Feb. 22 against the lowest remaining seed after the Quarterfinals matchup on Monday, Feb. 20. Tip-off for the semifinals is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
 
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.