BALTIMORE - The Notre Dame of Maryland men's basketball team held off a second half push by Rosemont College to earn a 75-66 in the regular season home finale on Tuesday, Feb 6.
The Gators got off to a hot start, with Daruan Gray hitting a pair of jump shots to put NDMU ahead 5-0. Dezmyn Nicholson pushed the lead to nine points, swishing a 3-pointer. The Gators continued to grow the lead, pulling ahead 17-3 after Nicholson finished a layup in transition off a pass from Cole Matthews. Matthews then drilled a 3-pointer in transition, to give NDMU an 18-point lead. Rosemont College gathered their offensive footing, going on a 7-0 run to close within 13 points. Gray halted the run, knocking down a 3-pointer. Later in the half, NDMU went on a 7-0 run capped off by a 3-pointer from Gray that put the Gators up by 18 points. NDMU held a 40-24 lead at the half.
The Ravens chipped away at NDMU's lead throughout the first 10 minutes of the second half, pulling within 10 points. K'Won Johnson answered a Rosemont 3-pointer with a 3-pointer of his own to maintain the advantage. Rosemont closed the deficit, tying the game at 66 with 1:43 left. Amari Bell put the Gators back in front, swishing a jump shot from the wing. After a steal by Matthews, Jackson Pugh hit a jumper, drawing a foul and completing a three-point play to put NDMU ahead by five. Bell added four points down the stretch, securing the 75-66 victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
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Gray shined in his final home game, scoring 21 points while hitting four times from beyond the arc.
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Johnson was relentless in attacking the basket, scoring 17 points to go along with seven rebounds and four assists.
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Bell sparked the Gators off the bench, playing his best in the final moments of the game. He finished the game with 12 points.
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Jahbreco Dacosta made a major impact on the glass, pulling in 15 rebounds including nine offensive rebounds.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Gators will head to Rosemont College for a rematch on Thursday, Feb. 8. The tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.