BALTIMORE, MD - The Notre Dame of Maryland will trek to Allentown on Saturday, February 21 for a pivotal United East Conference Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Cedar Crest at Lees Gymnasium, a pairing that has developed into a compelling rivalry over the past decade. The Gators finished the season in a three way tie for fifth place, but earned the tiebreaker to take the #5 seed going into the postseason as they will face-off against the #4 seeded Falcons.

This rematch offers Notre Dame a chance for redemption after falling 72–63 in the regular-season finale, a game where the Falcons' balanced offense proved tough to contain and forced the Gators into a comeback mentality late.

Veteran forward Amani Watts leads the way on both ends, anchoring the frontcourt with scoring and rebounding with her team leading 12.3 PPG and 8.1 REB/G. Consistent contributions from Marecia Barnett with her 12.0 PPG and a team high 43 made three pointers along with the ability to score from guards Raina Burns (7.3 PPG) and Madison Simmons (6.9 PPG) keep the offensive attack diversified. 

For Cedar Crest, the Falcons are guided by standout guard Ella Bincarosky, one of the league's most potent scoring threats, backed by reliable production from Analyse Rios and interior strength from Samora Merchant on the boards. Their ability to generate offense from multiple positions and dictate tempo was a key factor in their Feb. 14 victory and will be central again if they hope to make a deeper run in conference tournament play.

Going back to 2011, Cedar Crest dominated the series until 2015, which included a 14-game win streak covering parts of nine seasons. Cedar Crest has responded back by winning the last two encounters between the two programs.

All told, this series has grown richer with storylines over the years — Notre Dame's historical success, Cedar Crest's recent surge, and now the high stakes of elimination basketball. Whoever emerges with a win on Friday will do so not just with a ticket to the semifinals, but with bragging rights in a rivalry that's been familiar territory for the Gators for more than a decade.

Fans can watch the game live by clicking here.