DENVER, Colo. – The University of North Dakota women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 73-68 victory over Denver on Saturday afternoon at Hamilton Gymnasium. The Fighting Hawks improved to 10-17 overall and 5-9 in Summit League play.

The first quarter saw an even battle, with UND shooting an efficient 50% (9-of-18) from the field while holding a 22-20 lead after one. Fatima Ibrahim set the tone early with two blocks in the first minute of play. Kiera Pemberton led the early effort with 11 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance. The Hawks kept the Pioneers at just 44.4% (8-of-18) from the field.

Denver responded in the second quarter, outscoring UND 20-13 to take a 40-35 lead into halftime. Despite a strong showing from Pemberton, the Fighting Hawks struggled from deep, shooting just 1-of-3 from beyond the arc in the period. The Pios shot 57.1% (8-of-14) from the field.

UND battled back in the third quarter, using a 16-12 scoring edge to pull within one, 52-51, heading into the final period. Fatima Ibrahim provided a crucial inside presence with seven points in the frame.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle with three lead changes, but UND took control in the closing minutes. Pemberton and Ibrahim delivered key buckets, while Jocelyn Schiller iced the game at the free-throw line, going a perfect 6-of-6. North Dakota’s defense held strong, limiting Denver to just 33.3% (5-of-15) shooting in the fourth.

The Fighting Hawks will look to build on this momentum when they host Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

Postgame Notes:

  • Kiera Pemberton led UND with 21 points, shooting 10-of-15 from the field, and added seven rebounds and a team high three steals.
  • Fatima Ibrahim notched her second career double-double with 15 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. Ibrahim also added three blocks.
  • Jocelyn Schiller contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
  • Nevaeh Ferrara Horne chipped in 10 points, including two three-pointers.
  • UND shot 49.2% (29-of-59) from the field compared to DU’s 39.3% (24-of-61).
  • From the free throw line, UND shot 90.9% (10-of-11) to Denver’s 76.5% (13-of-17).
  • UND outshot from the perimeter 33.3% (5-of-15) to DU’s 25.0% (7-of-28).
  • The Fighting Hawks won the rebounding battle, 37-33.

How It Happened:
Q1: UND 22, DEN 20
Q2: UND 13, DEN 20
Q3: UND 16, DEN 12
Q4: UND 22, DEN 16

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