#MUWBB Opens Season with 90-82 Win at UND

GRAND FORKS, North Dakota - The Marquette women's basketball team opened its season with a 90-82 victory over North Dakota on Sunday afternoon.

"First of all, I would to thank our coaching staff and administration at Marquette in addition to all of the workers at North Dakota for the great job that they did to provide a safe environment for us to play in today," Coach Duffy said. "It felt great to be back on the floor again and to see our girls compete."

Sophomore guard Jordan King netted a career-high 20 points to lead a Golden Eagles offense that saw 10 different players reach the scoring column.

After a slow start offensively, the Golden Eagles went on a 13-2 run to end the first quarter and take a nine point lead heading into the second frame. A 16-6 run halfway through the second quarter allowed MU to stretch its lead to double digits before UND was able to cut the lead to 48-40 at halftime.

The Golden Eagles started strong in the second half and led by as many as 18 points before UND cut the deficit to single digits late in the fourth quarter. The Golden Eagles were able to seal the game on the defensive end, forcing 20 turnovers and winning the battle on the glass, 43-32.

2019-20 BIG EAST All-Freshman Team selection Camryn Taylor notched her second career double-double, scoring 17 points and bringing down 11 boards to lead all Golden Eagles on the glass. 2020-21 Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team honoree Selena Lott tallied 15 points to go along with six boards and four assists.

"I'm proud of our team for battling today after all we've been through in these past couple weeks leading up to the season," Duffy said. "We were glad to get the win today, but we gave up too many points at the rim and beyond the 3-point stripe, so upping our defensive intensity is definitely going to be a priority this week."

Julia Fleecs led all Fighting Hawks scorers with 23 points. UND put up a valiant effort despite having just eight available players, shooting 45% from the floor and 50% (12/24) from 3-point range.

POSTGAME NOTES:
-The Golden Eagles hadn't won a season opener on the road since defeating Evansville in 2005-06.
-Taylor Valladay set a new career-high with eight points.
-10 different Golden Eagles reached the scoring column and four hit double figures.
-Liza Karlen (4 points) and Rose Nkumu (2 points) scored their first collegiate baskets.
-Antwainette Walker scored her first points as a Golden Eagle after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer regulations.

UP NEXT:
Marquette is scheduled to host Milwaukee at 1 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the Al McGuire Center.

Keep up with the Marquette women's basketball program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWBB) and Instagram (@marquettewbb) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWBB).