Grand Forks – The University of North Dakota women’s basketball team delivered a commanding 80-54 victory over South Dakota on Wednesday evening at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Fighting Hawks improved to 8-10 overall and 3-2 in Summit League play, moving to tie South Dakota for third in the conference.

North Dakota set the tone early, shooting 60% (9-of-15) from the field in the first quarter to take a 23-17 lead. Nevaeh Ferrara Horne drained two threes in the period, contributing six points. The Hawks also dominated the paint and limited South Dakota to 35.3% (6-of-17) shooting in the quarter.

In the second quarter, UND extended its lead with a 50% (9-of-18) shooting performance, fueled by Kiera Pemberton and Mikayla Aumer. The Fighting Hawks carried a 44-28 advantage into halftime after going a dominate 21-11 in the second frame. The Hawks limited their turnovers to two while making two steals.

The third quarter saw the Hawks maintain their momentum, outscoring the Coyotes 20-17. Walker Demers and Nevaeh Ferrara Horne provided key baskets for a combined 11 points, while Fatima Ibrahim contributed three rebounds and Pemberton added two big blocks. UND reached its largest lead of the game, 22 points, during the period.

The Fighting Hawks closed out the contest with a strong defensive fourth quarter, limiting South Dakota to just nine points. Jayla Owen’s clutch three-pointer and Demers’ presence in the paint sealed the win as UND’s defense held the Coyotes.

North Dakota head to Brookings to take on South Dakota State on Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m.

Postgame Notes:

  • Mikayla Aumer led North Dakota with 17 points, including 3-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc and 7-of-13 from the field, while adding two assists and three rebounds.
  • Jocelyn Schiller tallied 14 points and three assists and three rebounds, shooting 5-of-12 from the field.
  • Fatima Ibrahim posted her first career double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, going 5-for-7 from the field.
  • Nevaeh Ferrara Horne also hit double-digits with 14 points off four three-pointers, tying her career-high.
  • UND outrebounded South Dakota 52-27, including 17 offensive rebounds leading to 19 second-chance points.
  • The Fighting Hawks shot 45.1% (32-of-71) from the field compared to the Coyotes’ 32.8% (19-of-58). From the arc, the Hawks led three-point shooting 40% (12-of-30) to USD’s 31% (9-of-29).
  • From the free throw line, UND shot a perfect 100% (4-of-4) compared to the Yotes 77.8% (7-of-9)
  • The Hawks led the entire 40 minute.
  • Tonight’s win marked the second win against the Coyotes since 2014.

How It Happened:
Q1: UND 23, USD 17
Q2: UND 21, USD 11
Q3: UND 20, USD 17
Q4: UND 16, USD 9