Kansas City, Mo. – The University of North Dakota women's basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over Kansas City, 63-60, in a closely contested game Saturday afternoon at Swinney Center. The win moves the Fighting Hawks to 6-9 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.

North Dakota began the game strong, shooting 58.3% (7-of-12) in the first quarter to stay within a point of the Roos, trailing 17-16. Jocelyn Schiller led the charge with 10 points, including two three-pointers, in the opening period.

The second quarter saw the teams trade baskets, with UND shooting 42.9% (3-of-7) and converting 8-of-10 free throws. Despite the effort, the Fighting Hawks trailed 34-31 at halftime. Schiller led the second frame with nine points, including one three-pointer and a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.

North Dakota turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Kansas City 17-13, powered by Schiller's continued strong play and Kiera Pemberton's quarter-leading eight points. UND entered the final period with a slim 48-47 lead.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with the Fighting Hawks holding Kansas City to 13 points while scoring 15 of their own. The Hawks went a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line in the fourth, including clutch pairs from Schiller, Walker Demers, and Pemberton in the final minutes of play to secure a UND victory.

The Fighting Hawks will return to Grand Forks for a tough matchup against Oral Roberts on Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
 
Postgame Notes:

• Jocelyn Schiller posted a career-high 28 points, leading all scorers, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line, along with eight rebounds and nine fouls drawn.
• Kiera Pemberton contributed 19 points and eight rebounds, including 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.
• Walker Demers added nine points and six rebounds for the Fighting Hawks.
• North Dakota outshot Kansas City 45.0% (18-of-40) to 36.5% (23-of-63) from the field.
• UND excelled at the free-throw line, converting 85.7% (24-of-28) compared to Kansas City's 66.7% (8-of-12).
• Despite committing 14 turnovers, the Fighting Hawks capitalized on their defensive stops and held a slight rebounding edge, 34-31.
• UND picked up not only their first conference win, but their first road victory of the season.

 
How It Happened:

• Q1: UND 16, KC 17
• Q2: UND 15, KC 17
• Q3: UND 17, KC 13
• Q4: UND 15, KC 13

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