Hartford, Conn.- The Notre Dame (MD) women's basketball team fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to #16 Trinity (CT) by a score of 58-43 on Friday, Mar. 3 in Hartford, Conn. This was the Gators second ever NCAA Tournament Appearance.  
 
NDMU was led in scoring by Alexis Durham, who racked up 21 points. Alexis Jones made an impact, netting seven points in 19 minutes of action. Daija Fitchett pulled in nine rebounds, becoming the program's career rebounding leader in the process. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gators (23-4 Overall) came out in zone defense that frustrated the Bantams (22-5 Overall) early in the first quarter. Fitchett put the Gators on the board when she pulled in an offensive rebound and knocked down a fade-away jump shot. Alexis Durham hit an off-balance jump shot to give the Gators a 4-3 lead. Trinity (CT) snatch momentum, going on a 10-0 to recapture the lead. Jones scored NDMU's final three points of the quarter, with the Gators trailing 16-7 heading to the second quarter. 
 
Jones started the second quarter by powering in another layup, cutting the deficit down to seven. The Bantams rattled off six straight points continuing to grow their lead. Amya Durham knocked down a jump shot and two free throws from Alexis Durham brought the Gators within nine. Trinity (CT) ended the half on a 9-2 run to hold a 31-15 lead at the break. 
 
NDMU struggled to find their offensive momentum in the third quarter, with Kori People and Jones finding the bottom of the basket. The Bantams used a 15-4 run to take a 26-point lead with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter. People connected on the Gators only 3-pointer of the game, making the score 48-25 heading to the final frame. 
 
Durham erupted for 12 of her game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter, attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line, where she made 11-13 attempts. The Gators would slowly cut down the deficit, but never closed within 15 points, eventually falling 58-43. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Gators shot 84.2 percent at the free throw line, going 16-19 from the foul line
• Alexis Durham racked up a game-high 21 points while adding four rebounds and three steals
• The Bantams won the rebounding battle, holding a 46-39 edge on the glass
• Fitchett finished with a team-high nine rebounds
• Jones gave the Gators some energy off the bench, scoring seven points and hauling in three rebounds
• Trinity (CT) was led by Reilly Campbell, who scored 14 points and pulled in 19 rebounds

 
HISTORICAL NOTE
During the fourth quarter, Fitchett pulled in her 1118 career rebound, becoming the programs career leader in rebounds. She passes Toyah Houck who collected 1117 rebounds from 1990-94. Fitchett finished her career with 1120 rebounds. 
 
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