Fighting Hawks Take Flight: Dominating 80-54 Triumph Over Coyotes

Grand Forks, N.D. – The University of North Dakota women’s basketball squad achieved a decisive 80-54 triumph over South Dakota on Wednesday night at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Fighting Hawks improved to 8-10 overall and 3-2 in Summit League competition, tying South Dakota for third place in the conference.

North Dakota established the tone early, hitting 60% (9-of-15) from the field in the opening quarter to assume a 23-17 lead. Nevaeh Ferrara Horne sank two three-pointers in that period, adding six points to the tally. The Hawks also controlled the paint and restricted South Dakota to 35.3% (6-of-17) shooting in the quarter.

During the second quarter, UND extended its advantage with a 50% (9-of-18) shooting performance, propelled by Kiera Pemberton and Mikayla Aumer. The Fighting Hawks carried a 44-28 lead into the halftime after dominating the second frame 21-11. The Hawks kept their turnovers to two while securing two steals.

The third quarter saw the Hawks sustain their momentum, outperforming the Coyotes 20-17. Walker Demers and Nevaeh Ferrara Horne produced critical baskets for a combined 11 points, while Fatima Ibrahim contributed three rebounds and Pemberton added two significant blocks. UND reached its largest advantage of the game, 22 points, during this period.

The Fighting Hawks concluded the matchup with a solid defensive fourth quarter, allowing South Dakota to score just nine points. Jayla Owen’s clutch three-pointer and Demers’ influence in the paint secured the victory as UND’s defense contained the Coyotes.

 

North Dakota heads to Brookings to face 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 overall, while contributing two assists and three rebounds.
• Jocelyn Schiller achieved 14 points along with three assists and three rebounds, shooting 5-of-12 from the floor.
• Fatima Ibrahim recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, going 5-for-7 from the field.
• Nevaeh Ferrara Horne also reached double digits with 14 points made up of four three-pointers, equaling her career-high.
• UND surpassed South Dakota in rebounds 52-27, including 17 offensive boards, which led 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 long range, the Hawks dominated three-point shooting with 40% (12-of-30) against USD’s 31% (9-of-29).
• At the free-throw line, UND was flawless, shooting 100% (4-of-4) while the Yotes managed 77.8% (7-of-9).
• The Hawks led throughout the entire 40 minutes.
• Tonight’s victory marked only the second win over the Coyotes since 2014.

 
Game Summary:
Q1: UND 23, USD 17
Q2: UND 21, USD 11
Q3: UND 20, USD 17
Q4: UND 16, USD 9
 
For additional information regarding UND women’s basketball, please visit FightingHawks.com or follow @UNDwbasketball on social media.