BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team picked up another CSAC victory, defeating the University of Valley Forge by a score of 64-26 on Wednesday, Feb 8 in the MBK Sports Complex. 
 
Alexis Jones led the Gators in scoring, finishing the game with a career-high 13 points. Kori People was the only other player to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (18-4 overall, 14-1 CSAC) struggled to find their offensive rhythm early in the game allowing the Patriots (4-15 overall, 2-12 CSAC) to jump out to an early 6-0 lead. NDMU began attacking the basket, with layups by Daija Fitchett and Bethani Newbold seeming to spark the offense. NDMU rattled off 14 straight points capped off by a corner 3-pointer from Michel Rivera. 
 
NDMU continued to grow their advantage in the second quarter, going on a 16-0 run that featured five trips to the free throw line. Amya Durham brought the crowd to their feet using a great ball fake and spin move in transition to convert a layup and put the Gators ahead by 20 points. NDMU led 31-13 going into the half. 
 
People got the offense rolling in the third connecting on a wing 3-pointer. The teams traded buckets throughout most of the quarter, with Jones and Rivera knocking down consecutive baskets to give NDMU a 23-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Gators lock down defense held the Patriots to only two points in the final frame, allowing the team to cruise to the 64-26 victory. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• NDMU shot 43.9 percent from the field, recording assists on 16 of their 25 baskets
• Alexis Jones racked up 13 points in only 20 minutes of action
• The Gators matched a season high with six blocked shots as a team, including a pair of thunderous blocks by People
• People added five steals to go along with her 11 points
• Fitchett came within one of point of a double-double, finishing with nine points and 12 rebounds
• NDMU dominated the battle on the glass, holding a 41-24 edge in rebounds
• Rivera swished two 3-pointers, finishing with eight points
• The Gators defense forced 22 turnovers that directly led to 29 points
• Valley Forge was led by Mariah Matthews, who finished with 16 points

 
WHO'S NEXT
The Gators head back out onto the road to face the Clarks Summit University in a pivotal conference showdown on Saturday Feb. 11. Earlier this season, the Gators defeated the Defenders by a score of 74-65. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. 
 
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