GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team closed out the regular season with an 83-79 victory over Kansas City on Saturday afternoon at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Fighting Hawks improved to 11-18 overall and 6-10 in Summit League play, securing the No. 5 seed in the Summit League Tournament.

North Dakota set the tone early, racing out to a 23-12 lead in the first quarter behind efficient shooting and strong defense. The Hawks shot 43.8% (7-of-16) and kept the Roos to just 28.6% (6-of-21). Kiera Pemberton made her presence felt with the first seven points, while Fatima Ibrahim contributed four points and three rebounds.

The Hawks extended their advantage in the second quarter, outscoring Kansas City 25-16 to take a commanding 48-28 lead into halftime. At the buzzer Kiyah Hurst hit a deep three to put UND up by 20.  UND shot 43.8% (7-of-16) in the period, including 3-of-10 from beyond the arc. The Hawks went without a turnover in the second while forcing three turnovers by the Roos.

Kansas City fought back in the third quarter, cutting into the deficit with a 28-18 scoring advantage. The Roos found the net, shooting 43.5% (10-of-23), while holding UND to 38.5% (5-of-13). Fatima upped the momentum at the buzzer with a block and steal. Despite the KC surge, UND maintained a 66-56 lead heading into the final frame.

The Roos continued their push in the fourth, pulling within four points late, but UND held firm. The Fighting Hawks made key free throws down the stretch, going 8-of-10, 6-of-8 coming from Jocelyn Schiller to secure the win.
The No. 5 Fighting Hawks will play No. 4 St. Thomas on Friday, March 7 at 12 p.m. to kick off the Summit League Tournament.

Postgame Notes:

• Jocelyn Schiller led UND with 22 points, shooting 15-of-17 from the free-throw line, and added eight rebounds and four assists.
• Kiera Pemberton recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
• Jayla Owen scored a career-high 14 points going 3-of-6 from the perimeter and 3-of-3 from the free throw line.
• Fatima Ibrahim contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
• UND shot 42.6% (23-of-54) from the field, compared to Kansas City's 36.5% (27-of-74).
• The Hawks held a 45-42 rebounding advantage, including 10 offensive boards.

 
How It Happened:
Q1: UND 23, KC 12
Q2: UND 25, KC 16
Q3: UND 18, KC 28
Q4: UND 17, KC 23

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