BALTIMORE, MD - Notre Dame of Maryland used a balanced attack and a big second half to pull away from Cairn University for an 86–76 United East Conference victory Tuesday evening at Gator Court.
The Gators (13-8, 7-2 United East) shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and turned defense into offense, scoring 32 fast-break points to snap a tight, back-and-forth contest open after halftime. Cairn (15-6, 7-2) led briefly in the first half, but Notre Dame closed the period on a run to take a 39–33 lead into the break and never trailed again.
Ricardo Ross led all scorers with 30 points, attacking the rim consistently while also knocking down four three-pointers. Ross added five rebounds and three steals, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Marlon Lewis followed with 18 points, going 10-of-11 at the free-throw line, while Jahbreco DaCosta posted a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds off the bench to control the paint.
The game remained close early in the second half, with Cairn trimming the margin to one on multiple occasions. Ron Ayers and Jaylon Simpson helped keep the visitors within striking distance, combining for 42 points. Ayers finished with 18 points on four made threes, while Simpson added 21 points and three assists.
Notre Dame created separation midway through the second half with a decisive run fueled by transition baskets and trips to the free-throw line. Ross sparked the surge with a three-pointer and back-to-back fast-break layups, pushing the Gators' lead to double digits. From there, Notre Dame continued to pressure Cairn defensively, forcing turnovers that led to easy points.
Anthony Wright was perfect from the field, scoring 10 points, and Dylan Long chipped in seven points while sealing the game at the foul line in the final minute. The Gators finished 24-of-31 from the free-throw line and held a 40–39 rebounding edge.
Cairn was led by Corey Baldwin's 24 points, though the visitors shot just 34.8 percent overall and were unable to keep pace with Notre Dame's efficiency down the stretch.
The win keeps Notre Dame firmly towards the top of the United East Conference standings, with another tough test ahead as the Gators travel to Penn State Abington on Saturday, January 31 at 1 PM. Abington currently sits at 3-5 in the conference as the Gators will look to make it three straight wins against the Nittany Lions.
