Box Score SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- As part of the 2014 Notre Dame College Holiday Classic, the Falcons played host to the Ursuline Arrows on Friday night at Murphy Gymnasium. Notre Dame played pressurous defense and used a complete team effort to defeat the Arrows by a final score of 75-53.
The Falcons opened the game on a 16-2 run following a 3-pointer from
Alyssa Kraus, assisted by
Molly Ritz. Ursuline, however, proved to be resilient as it responded with an impressive run to tie the game at 16.
After allowing the Arrows to tie the game, the Falcons found their groove again, going on a 10-2 run capped off by an easy basket from
Martha Nagbe.
Minutes later, Nagbe drilled a 3-pointer to push NDC's lead to 38-28 with 1:41 remaining. A late free throw from the Arrows cut the halftime score to 38-29 in favor of the Falcons.
In the second half, the Falcons took control. A pair of easy buckets – one from Ritz, one from Nagbe – sparked NDC early out of the intermission.
Jessica Garcia drained a 3-pointer to give NDC a 51-36 lead with 14:45 remaining, and the Falcons never looked back.
With 10:41 remaining, the Arrows cut the Falcons' lead to single digits again, 53-44. Nagbe immediately responded with a jumper and then an easy lay up, and NDC led 57-44 with 9:39 left in the game.
From there, the Falcons used a strong defensive effort to limit the Arrows opportunities and maintained control, winning by a final score of 75-53.
With the win, the Falcons improve to 5-4 on the season, including a 3-1 mark at home.
The Falcons will next play on Saturday, Dec. 20 against Cedarville University at Murphy Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
