Grand Forks, N.D. – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team fell just short, 98-91, in a closely contested double-overtime thriller against Oral Roberts who's ranked No. 20 in the Mid-Major Women's Basketball Poll. The Fighting Hawks dropped to 6-10 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

North Dakota came out strong, establishing a solid offensive rhythm. Kiera Pemberton paced the team with six points, and the Fighting Hawks controlled the paint with 14 points inside. UND's defense held Oral Roberts to 41.2% shooting, securing a 20-17 lead at the end of the period.

The Fighting Hawks extended their lead to as much as eight, fueled by efficient scoring from Mikayla Aumer and a strong team shooting performance of 81.8% (9-of-11) from the field. Despite Oral Roberts mounting a late rally, UND managed to hold a 41-37 advantage heading into halftime, thanks to their dominance inside and precision shooting.

Oral Roberts flipped the script in the third quarter, taking advantage of UND turnovers and scoring 19 points. UND managed to stay within striking distance, thanks to key contributions from Pemberton and Walker Demers. However, the Hawks trailed 57-56 heading into the fourth.

The final regulation period was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading clutch plays. UND saw big moments from Aumer, who drained timely three-pointers, and Pemberton, who kept the Hawks close. Despite their efforts, a last-second basket from Oral Roberts tied the game at 74-74, forcing overtime.

The Fighting Hawks continued to fight in the first extra period, with Demers and Schiller stepping up to keep UND in contention. Both teams scored nine points, leaving the game tied at 83-83 and sending it to a second overtime.

Foul trouble set in during the second overtime, and UND struggled to match Oral Roberts' intensity. Despite Pemberton and Schiller's efforts, the Fighting Hawks were outscored 15-8 in the period, ultimately falling 98-91.
 
North Dakota returns to action on Saturday, January 11, hosting Denver at 1 p.m.
 
Game Notes:

• Kiera Pemberton led North Dakota with a career-high 34 points and eight rebounds, shooting 14-of-24 from the field.
• Mikayla Aumer added 18 points, just shy of her career-best 19, including 5-of-11 shooting from three-point range and 6-of-14 overall.
• Walker Demers contributed 11 points, 3-of-3 from the free throw line and eight rebounds.
• UND shot 52.2% from the field (35-of-67) and a stellar 92.9% from the free-throw line (13-of-14). NoDak shot 34.8% (8-of-23) from three-point range. Tonight marked the first game the Hawks shot above 50%.
• Oral Roberts shot 44% (33-of-75) from the field, 32.1% (9-of-28) from three-point range, and 79.3% (23-of-29) from the free throw line.
• Oral Roberts capitalized on UND's 18 turnovers, scoring 26 points off miscues.
• UND held a 46-34 advantage in points in the paint.

How It Happened:

• Q1: UND 20, ORU 17
• Q2: UND 21, ORU 20
• Q3: UND 16, ORU 19
• Q4: UND 17, ORU 18
• OT1: UND 9, ORU 9
• OT2: UND 8, ORU 15

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