BETHLEHEM, PA – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team fell to Valparaiso, 76-57, on Saturday afternoon at Stabler Arena in the Christmas City Classic. The Fighting Hawks dropped to 2-4 on the season, while Valpo improved to 3-4.
North Dakota started strong, keeping pace with Valparaiso early on.
Walker Demers led the way in the first quarter with six points and three rebounds. The Hawks shot 42.9% from the field to tie the game at 14 after the first quarter.
The Hawks struggled with turnovers in the second quarter, allowing Valpo to gain momentum. Demers contributed seven points in the frame, but UND's 11 giveaways in the half led to a 36-28 halftime deficit. Valpo capitalized with 20 points off turnovers in the first 20 minutes.
Valparaiso took control in the third quarter, outscoring UND 24-14. Demers and
Jocelyn Schiller anchored the offense, scoring four points in the frame. Despite UND's efforts to push the pace and improve shot selection, turnovers continued to plague the Fighting Hawks, allowing Valparaiso to extend its advantage. Valpo took a commanding 60-44 lead into the final quarter.
UND tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, Pemberton's eight points, but Valpo's efficient shooting proved too much to overcome.
The Fighting Hawks will look to bounce back on Sunday as they wrap up the Christmas City Classic against Marist tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Postgame Notes
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Walker Demers led UND with 17 points, six rebounds, and shot 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
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Kiera Pemberton, for the sixth game in a row, added double-digits to the board with 13 points, and four rebounds.
• UND shot 45.7% from the field (21-of-46) but struggled from deep, hitting just 3-of-19 three-pointers.
• Valpo shot 52% (26-of-50) from the field and 43.5% (10-of-23) from beyond the arc, compared to UND's 15.8% from three-point range.
• The Hawks led free throw shooting 85.7% (12-of-14) to 82.4% (14-of-17).
• Valpo forced 26 turnovers, scoring 33 points off UND miscues, compared to the Hawks' 13 points off 17 Valpo turnovers.
• UND outrebounded Valpo 28-21.
How It Happened
Q1: UND 14, VALPO 14
Q2: UND 14, VALPO 22
Q3: UND 14, VALPO 24
Q4: UND 15, VALPO 16
For more information on North Dakota women's basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDwbasketball.
