BALTIMORE, MD - The Notre Dame of Maryland University Gators women's basketball team came up just short on the road Tuesday afternoon, falling 61–57 to Cedar Crest College Falcons in a tightly contested United East matchup at Lees Gymnasium. The Gators end their season in the United East Conference tournament quarterfinals for the second straight season as their late comeback efforts fell just short.
Notre Dame jumped out to a strong start, scoring the first seven points of the game and were leading 21–16 after the first quarter behind an aggressive offensive attack.
Amani Watts was dominant in the paint early on and
Raina Burns set the tone, scoring from all three levels as the Gators built momentum and controlled the pace. Notre Dame carried a slim 33–32 lead into halftime after a back-and-forth second quarter that featured seven lead changes.
The Falcons gained a slight edge in the third quarter, outscoring the Gators 8–6 as both teams struggled to find a rhythm offensively. Cedar Crest took a 40–39 lead into the final period, setting up a tense fourth quarter with neither side able to create separation.
Notre Dame continued to battle down the stretch and briefly regained the lead midway through the fourth quarter. Burns knocked down clutch free throws, and
Allison Holman and
Madison Simmons added timely baskets to keep the game within one possession. However, Cedar Crest capitalized at the foul line to make it a six point lead with 20 seconds left.
Regina Sabirova was fouled attempting a three pointer and proceeded to make all three free throws to make it a three point deficit. The Falcons were able to make one more free throw to put the game out of reach.
Burns led all scorers with 24 points while playing the full 40 minutes, adding three steals and two assists. Watts recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the Gators on the glass.
Marecia Barnett chipped in nine points and six rebounds, while Notre Dame forced 28 turnovers and scored 20 points off those miscues.
Despite the loss, the Gators showed resilience and competitiveness throughout the contest, battling to the final possession. Notre Dame ends the season at 12–12 overall and 8–5 in United East play for a team that has no seniors and will hopefully return the entire squad next season.
