GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The No. 5 University of North Dakota women's basketball team advanced in the Summit League Tournament with an 80-67 victory over No. 4 St. Thomas on Friday afternoon at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The Fighting Hawks improved to 12-18 overall, securing a spot in the semifinal round.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with the Tommies leading after the first frame 16-15. The Hawks shot 46.7% (7-of-15), compared to UST's 38.9% (7-of-18).
Kiera Pemberton led the quarter with eight points, going 4-of-7 from the field and
Fatima Ibrahim added two blocks.
UND pulled ahead in the second outscoring St. Thomas 20-15, carrying a four-point lead into the half. The Hawks offense was dominant shooting 53.3% (8-of-15) from the field, including nine points from
Jocelyn Schiller. UND's defense held strong keeping the Tommies to just 28.6% (6-of-21), including four blocks from
Fatima Ibrahim.
A strong third quarter extended the Hawks' lead, as they outscored the Tommies 16-13. UND's defense held St. Thomas to just 40.0% shooting (6-of-15) while the Hawks' defense hit two key three-pointers by
Jayla Owen to maintain their edge.
In the fourth, the Hawks pulled away behind clutch free-throw shooting, hitting 15-of-16 (93.8%) from the stripe. Pemberton and Schiller sealed the victory, combining for 18 points in the final period.
North Dakota will move on to face No. 1 South Dakota State in the tournament tomorrow, Saturday at 12 p.m.
Postgame Notes:
- Kiera Pemberton led all scorers with 30 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.
- Jocelyn Schiller tallied 17 points, eight assists, and five rebounds.
- Jayla Owen contributed nine points, going 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
- Fatima Ibrahim recorded a near double-double with nine points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks.
- UND shot 48.3% (28-of-58) from the field, compared to St. Thomas' 37.3% (28-of-75).
- From the perimeter, UND shot 26.7% (4-of-15) to UST's 29.6% (8-of-27).
- North Dakota led from the free throw line going 83.3% (20-of-24) compared to St. Thomas' 50% (3-of-6).
- The Tommies held a 38-39 rebounding advantage.
- UND held a 11-13 turnover advantage.
How It Happened:
Q1: UND 15, UST 16
Q2: UND 20, UST 15
Q3: UND 16, UST 13
Q4: UND 29, UST 23
For more information on UND women's basketball, visit
FightingHawks.com or follow
@UNDwbasketball on social media.