TULSA, Okla. – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team fell in a hard-fought battle against Oral Roberts, 83-80, on Thursday night at the Mabee Center. The Fighting Hawks dropped to 9-17 overall and 4-9 in Summit League play.
The first quarter was closely contested, with
Jocelyn Schiller who led the way with seven early points, while the Hawks shot 42.9% (6-of-14) from the field. However, Oral Roberts held a 20-17 lead after one.
UND responded in the second quarter, outscoring ORU 21-17 to take a 38-37 lead into halftime.
Kiera Pemberton helped fuel the offense with eight second-quarter points, while the Hawks shot 40% (6-of-15) from the field and 77.8% (7-of-9) from the free-throw line.
Oral Roberts regained control in the third quarter, edging UND 20-17 behind strong shooting, and UND foul trouble. Despite key buckets from
Jocelyn Schiller and Pemberton, the Golden Eagles took a 57-55 lead into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw both teams battle in a high-scoring finish. UND briefly took the lead after a three-pointer by Ferrara Horne, but ORU's Emily Robinson hit a clutch three down the stretch. The Fighting Hawks had a late chance, but Oral Roberts sealed the win UND turned over the ball.
North Dakota will aim to bounce back on Saturday when they take on Denver at 2 p.m.
Postgame Notes:
- Kiera Pemberton and Jocelyn Schiller led UND with 21 points, each.
- Pemberton's 21 points and 10 rebounds was her sixth double-double of the season and ninth career.
- Schiller added six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
- Nevaeh Ferrara Horne chipped in 14 points, all from three-pointers (4-of-9).
- UND shot 45.5% (25-of-55) from the field and 70.0% (21-of-30) from the free-throw line, while ORU shot 45.3% (29-of-64) and 72.0% (18-of-25), respectively.
- From beyond the arc, ORU held a 43.8% (7-of-16) to 36.0% (9-of-25) advantage.
- UND outrebounded ORU, 37-31.
- Turnovers fell in favor of ORU, 16-23.
How it Happened:
Q1: UND 17, ORU 20
Q2: UND 21, ORU 17
Q3: UND 17, ORU 20
Q4: UND 25, ORU 26
For more information on UND women's basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow @UNDwbasketball on social media.