BALTIMORE - The Notre Dame of Maryland men's basketball team showed a lot of promise but could not knock off Keystone College, falling by a score of 81-74 on Saturday, Jan. 13.
The Gators started the game with a bang with K'Won Johnson hitting a 3-pointer on NDMU's first possession. Keystone shook off a slow start, and they built an early six- point lead nine minutes into the game. Jalen Yates hit a 3-pointer, bringing the Gators back within three points. The Giants went on a 15-3 run to take control of the game, building a double-digit lead. Jackson Pugh tried to bring the Gators back into the game, storming to the basket for a couple of layups and dishing a pass to Jermaine Koger Jr. for an easy layup. The Gators continued to battle, with Dezmyn Nicholson hitting a 3-pointer late in the half. NDMU still trailed 39-25 at the break.
NDMU began to chip away at the Giants lead, with Johnson and Pugh getting to the basket for a couple of easy buckets. Jahbreco Dacosta collected an offensive rebound and powered it back in to bring the Gators within nine points. NDMU kept fighting, with Johnson layup and a Nicholson 3-pointer allow the Gators to close within five. Nicholson then drilled his third 3-pointer of the game, bringing the team within a single possession. Johnson then swiped a steal and scored in transition to tie the game at 49 with 11:35 remaining in the game. Johnson hit one more time, this time swishing a pull up jumper to give NDMU their first lead of the game. Keystone answered back, going on a 10-2 run to retake the lead. NDMU tried to make on last push, closing within three points down the stretch, but they could not retake the lead, falling 81-74.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
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Johnson led the Gators in scoring, racking up a career-high 26 points
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Pugh attacked the basket, knifing in to score 13 points.
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Nicholson made an impact in his first game with the team, scoring 13 points in 13 minutes of action.
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Koger Jr. made his presence in the post known, grabbing nine rebounds and blocking five shots.
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Keystone was led by Brandon Scott who scored 23 points.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Gators hit the road, traveling to face Bryn Athyn College on Monday, Jan. 15. The tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.