Harrisonburg- NDMU Women's Basketball team emerged victorious in a hard-fought 72-67 win over Eastern Mennonite University. The Gators showcased resilience and teamwork, especially in the second half, where a strong third-quarter performance proved pivotal in securing the win.
Amya Durham led the scoring for Notre Dame, logging an impressive 19 points in her 36 minutes on the floor. She shot 7-of-19 from the field and connected on 2-of-10 from beyond the arc, adding three free throws to her total. Durham's contributions extended beyond scoring, as she also collected two steals and played a crucial role in pacing the offense.
Madison Simmons had a standout game, dominating the boards with a double-double. Simmons scored 13 points, going 5-for-10 from the field, and pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, including four offensive boards. Her presence in the paint was critical in providing second-chance opportunities and defensive stops.
Elena Rodriguez contributed six points, shooting efficiently at 2-of-3 from the three-point line. Her sharpshooting in limited minutes gave the Gators a valuable boost and added depth to their scoring options. Meanwhile, Bethani Newbold was a defensive force, leading the team with six steals while also securing eight rebounds. Newbold's three assists and five points rounded out her versatile performance.
Hillary Howard provided a solid performance off the bench, contributing 12 points and seven rebounds, including four offensive boards. Her energy and hustle were evident, helping Notre Dame maintain their lead in the second half. Allison Holman also provided a scoring spark with nine points on perfect 3-for-3 shooting, making her presence felt in only 15 minutes on the court.
Freshman Jadyn Forbes added seven points, including two three-pointers, while Yasmeen Yussuf's four rebounds helped Notre Dame stay dominant on the boards. The Gators' rebounding prowess was a key factor in the game, as they outrebounded Eastern Mennonite 46-30, controlling the glass on both ends of the floor.
Notre Dame's defensive tenacity was another deciding factor, with the team recording 10 steals and limiting Eastern Mennonite to 16 points in the crucial third quarter. This defensive effort enabled the Gators to outscore their opponents 23-16 in the third period, creating the momentum they needed to pull away. This overall cohesive team effort led NDMU to victory over Eastern Mennonite University.
WHO'S NEXT
The NDMU Women's Basketball Team will be on the road to face Bridgewater College as their next opponent in this tournament on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3:00 PM.
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