GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team outlasted Mayville State in a hard-fought 73-61 victory on Tuesday evening at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The win improves the Fighting Hawks to 5-7 on the season.

In the first quarter, UND came out strong, scoring 22 points while shooting 45% (9-of-20) from the field. The Hawks relied on their inside presence, outscoring Mayville State 18-12 in the paint during the opening period. Pemberton quickly set the tone with nine points and five rebounds, helping UND establish a 22-18 lead despite some efficient scoring from Mayville's Mackenzie Hughes, who finished the quarter with seven points.

The second quarter saw Mayville State respond, as the Comets outscored UND 18-11 to take a 36-33 halftime lead. UND struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6% (4-of-14) from the field. Hughes continued her scoring streak for Mayville State, adding eight points in the quarter. Despite the struggles, Demers grabbed four key rebounds to keep the Fighting Hawks within striking distance.

UND found their rhythm again in the third quarter, matching Mayville State with 16 points each. Schiller's hot shooting from beyond the arc—hitting two of her five three-pointers—kept the Fighting Hawks close. UND's defense began to force turnovers, but Mayville State maintained a slim lead heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Fighting Hawks, who outscored Mayville State 24-9 with a dominant performance on both ends of the court. Pemberton and Demers controlled the glass, while Schiller's outside shooting and fast-break points helped UND take command. The Hawks shot an efficient 53.8% (7-of-13) from the field in the final frame and forced four turnovers, sealing the game with their most complete quarter of the night.
 
The Fighting Hawks will close out their non-conference slate at Wyoming on December 21 at 2 p.m.
 
Postgame Notes:

• Kiera Pemberton hit her third double-double of the season as she led the team with 25 points, shooting 9-of-18 from the field and adding 14 rebounds.
• Jocelyn Schiller recorded her first career double-double with her career-high 20 points, hitting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and grabbing 10 rebounds.
• Walker Demers hit her second double-double of the season after contributing 12 points and 16 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards.
• UND outshot Mayville State from the field, 41% (25-of-61) to 32.8% (22-of-67).
• The Fighting Hawks also outshot Mayville State from the three 31.6% (6-of-19) to 21.9% (7-of-32).
• UND went 77.3% from the free throw line (17-of-22), compared to Mayville's 71.4% (10-of-14).
• The Hawks out-rebounded the Comets 55-29, including a significant 20 offensive rebounds that led to a decisive edge in second-chance points, 20-3.

How it Happened:

• Q1: UND 22, MSU 18
• Q2: UND 11, MSU 18
• Q3: UND 16, MSU 16
• Q4: UND 24, MSU 9

 
For more information on North Dakota women's basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow @UNDwbasketball on social media.