BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team punched its ticket to the CSAC Championship Game, defeating #4 Saint Elizabeth College by a score of 66-52 on Wednesday, Feb. 22. This will be the Gators' first ever appearance in the CSAC Championship.
Alexis Durham led all scorers, recording 24 points on 8-15 shooting from the field.
Daija Fitchett continued to dominate in the post, racking up 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Kori People also reached double digits with 11 points.
Alexis Jones was huge off the bench, scoring 10 key points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Elizabeth College started fast grabbing an early four-point lead. The Gators looked to settle into the game, turning to Fitchett who put the team's first points on board, swishing a turn around jump shot. Durham then slashed to the basket for a layup to pull NDMU back within two points. Trailing by four, Durham came away with a steal and score. The Gators continued to attack the basket, getting to the free throw line several times. People converted a layup in transition to give NDMU a 14-10 lead going into the second quarter.
Durham brought the raucous crowd in the MBK Sports Complex to their feet by hitting a 3-pointer from the wing. People added a jumper as NDMU stretched its lead to double-digits for the first time. The Eagles battled back, pulling within seven points midway through the quarter. The teams both turned up their defensive intensity, with neither team scoring for over three minutes. Later in the quarter, Fitchett threw an incredible skip pass to People, who drilled a 3-pointer from the wing. This basket sparked a 10-0 run that allowed NDMU to hold a 34-20 at the break.
NDMU remained in control with Durham and People knocking down jump shots early in the third quarter. With the Eagles keeping pace, the Gators turned to Jones who scored five consecutive points, keeping NDMU ahead by 12 points. Durham added a 3-pointer, sparking a 9-3 run that put the Gators ahead 52-38 going into the fourth quarter.
Fitchett scored four straight points to start the final frame. Durham swished a jump shot giving NDMU a 20-point lead with 6:59 remaining in the game. Saint Elizabeth made one more push, going on a 10-1 run to close within 13 points.
Ayana Brim hit a pair of free throws down the stretch, securing the victory and CSAC Championship berth.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The Gators shot 40.0 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from 3-point range
- Durham scored 15 of her 24 points in the first half, shooting 8-15 from the field
- NDMU used its speed to get out on the break, scoring 17 points in transition
- People finished with 11 points, adding four rebounds and three steals
- The Gators won the battle on the glass, holding a 38-32 edge in rebounds
- Fitchett posted another double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds
- NDMU pulled in 15 offensive rebounds, resulting in 15 second chance points
- Jones made a major impact in her playoff debut, posting 10 points in 22 minutes of action
- The Eagles were led by Aryanna Baytops who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators have punched their ticket to the CSAC Championship, and they will host #3 Clarks Summit University on Saturday, Feb. 25. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.
