BALTIMORE, MD - Notre Dame of Maryland used a dominant third quarter to pull away and held off a late push from Salisbury for a 76–70 win Wednesday evening at the MBK Athletic Complex.

The Gators (7-7, 3-1 United East) outscored Salisbury 24–13 in the third quarter, turning a tight halftime game into a double-digit advantage and setting the tone for the final period. Notre Dame shot an efficient 10-of-13 from the field in the third, capitalizing on turnovers and controlling the paint to seize momentum.

Marecia Barnett led all scorers with 17 points, knocking down three three-pointers and providing a spark on the perimeter. Madison Simmons added 14 points, four assists and steady play at the guard position, while Amani Watts delivered a strong all-around performance with 11 points and a game-high eight rebounds off the bench. Thalia Kayiranga chipped in nine points and sealed the game at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

The contest featured six ties and nine lead changes over the first two quarters, with neither team able to create separation before halftime. Salisbury entered the break within striking distance, but Notre Dame's defensive pressure and crisp ball movement fueled a decisive run after intermission.

Salisbury mounted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to two points with under a minute remaining, but the Gators stayed composed, converting key baskets and free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

Notre Dame finished the game shooting 52.7 percent from the field and outscored Salisbury 23–7 in bench points, highlighting the team's depth in the win.

The Gators will have little time to celebrate as they get back into conference play when they host Penn State University Brandywine on Saturday, January 17 at 3 PM. Brandywine comes into the game with a 3-2 conference record and a 3-12 overall record. The two teams met twice in the 2024-25 season, with the Gators emerging victorious in both occasions.