GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team put up a valiant fight but ultimately came up short in a 76-70 loss to Omaha on Thursday night at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Fighting Hawks dropped to 10-18 overall and 5-10 in Summit League play.
 
North Dakota jumped out to a strong start in the first quarter, leading 14-9 behind an aggressive inside presence and a 23.8% (5-of-21) shooting performance. Fatima Ibrahim made an early impact with nine rebounds and four points, while Kiera Pemberton added four points and two rebounds.
 
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as Omaha outscored UND 17-3, taking a 26-17 lead into halftime. The Fighting Hawks struggled offensively as the shots weren't falling, shooting was just 7.7% (1-of-13) from the field and failing to connect from three-point range (0-of-7).
 
North Dakota responded in the third quarter with a 26-23 edge, cutting the deficit to six points at 49-43 heading into the final period. Pemberton led the charge with seven points in the quarter, while Ibrahim added five points, three rebounds, and one block.
 
Despite a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Fighting Hawks couldn't complete the comeback. UND shot 71.4% (10-of-14) from the field in the final period, but Omaha sealed the win with timely free throws and strong perimeter shooting. Kiera Pemberton scored a perfect 5-of-5 from the field including two three-pointers for 13 points.
 
The Fighting Hawks will host Kansas City to close out the regular season on Saturday, March 1 at 1 p.m.
 
Postgame Notes:

• Kiera Pemberton led UND with 26 points, shooting 9-of-13, and added six rebounds.
• Fatima Ibrahim posted her third career double-double with 12 points , a career-high 16 rebounds, and four blocks.
• Jocelyn Schiller added 15 points and three rebounds.
• UND shot 35.8% (24-of-67) from the field, while Omaha shot 43.4% (23-of-53).
• From the perimeter, UND shot 21.7% (5-of-23) compared to UNO's 40% (6-of-15).
• The Hawks led from the free throw line with 81% (17-of-21) while Omaha shot 80% (24-of-30).
• The Fighting Hawks dominated the rebounding battle, 42-37, including 12 offensive.
• Omaha had 12 turnovers while UND had 11.

 
How It Happened:
Q1: UND 14, UNO 9
Q2: UND 3, UNO 17
Q3: UND 26, UNO 23
Q4: UND 27, UNO 27
 
For more information on UND women's basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow @UNDwbasketball on social media.