GRAND FORKS, ND – The University of North Dakota women’s basketball team dropped a close contest to Green Bay, 66-63, on Sunday afternoon at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. After a strong start to the season, the Fighting Hawks fall to 2-1, while Green Bay improves to 2-2.

The game was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, featuring 14 lead changes and eight ties. Green Bay took an early lead with a three-pointer at 8:51, but Nevaeh Ferrara Horne answered with a three-point jumper from the corner to tie it up at 8:22. The Hawks held a narrow lead until 3:10, when Green Bay regained the advantage with a three-pointer. Walker Demers tied it again a minute later with a layup, allowing UND to finish the first quarter with a 12-10 lead.

In the second quarter, UND’s 17 points came from just three players: Kiera Pemberton (9 points), Mikayla Aumer (6 points), and Demers (2 points). Despite Green Bay outscoring the Hawks 18-17 in the quarter, UND held a one-point lead at halftime, 29-28.

The third quarter saw UND briefly extend its lead with a quick eight-point run, including a three-pointer from Ferrara Horne that gave the Hawks a six-point advantage at 7:22. However, Green Bay steadily closed the gap, taking the lead with 51 seconds left to end the quarter ahead, 45-44.

The fourth quarter was a seesaw affair with eight possession changes. Green Bay’s biggest lead was four points with 18 seconds remaining. The game shifted in Green Bay’s favor as they shot 50% from the field in the final frame and made all seven of their free throws to maintain a narrow lead. Aumer scored five of UND’s 14 points in the fourth, all from the free-throw line. With 2:30 left, Pemberton grabbed her 10th rebound, earning her a double-double on the night.

Aumer led the Hawks with 17 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Pemberton added 16 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while Jocelyn Schiller contributed 9 points and 5 assists.

UND will look to bounce back as they return home for another contest on Thursday, November 21, at 7 p.m., when they take on Montana.

Postgame Notes:
•    Mikayla Aumer led UND with 17 points and 3 rebounds.
•    Kiera Pemberton recorded her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Pemberton’s two three pointers and three attempts were a career-high.  
•    Jocelyn Schiller added 9 points and 5 assists.
•    UND outrebounded Green Bay 37-31.
•    UND shot 37.7% (20-of-53) from the field and 33.3% (8-of-24) from three-point range.
•    Green Bay had the edge in fast-break points (6-5) and points off turnovers (23-16).
•    UND finished a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter and 15-of-20 (75%) for the game.

How It Happened:
•    Q1: UND 12, GB 10
•    Q2: UND 17, GB 18
•    Q3: UND 15, GB 17
•    Q4: UND 14, GB 14

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

Photo by Kerry Ring.