DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — Molly O’Riordan scored 23 points and the Dayton Flyers used a dominant fourth-quarter surge to overcome a stubborn Duquesne squad 68-61 in an Atlantic 10 Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at University of Dayton Arena.

A crowd of 2,131 watched the Flyers (8-6, 1-0 A-10) erase a four-point deficit entering the final period by outscoring the Dukes 24-12 over the last 10 minutes. The decisive run was fueled by defensive pressure and the hot hand of O’Riordan, who scored 11 of her points in the fourth, including three 3-pointers.

Duquesne (7-7, 0-1) led for nearly the entire first three quarters, building its advantage on the strength of a 17-point opening period and gritty interior play. The Dukes took a 49-44 lead into the fourth, but their offense stalled against an intensified Dayton defense. The Flyers forced six Duquesne turnovers in the final quarter and held the Dukes to 5-of-15 shooting from the field.

The most important part of the game was Dayton’s closing kick, a 19-7 run over the final 6:58 that turned a 52-49 deficit into a comfortable victory. The spurt was punctuated by O’Riordan’s deep shooting and critical plays from her supporting cast.

O’Riordan, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Barrington, Illinois, was efficient in her 24 minutes, shooting 9 of 14 from the field, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. She added five rebounds and two blocks. Her backcourt mate, Nicole Stephens of Pickerington, Ohio, orchestrated the offense with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Duquesne was led by Nadia Moore’s 18 points and Alexis Bordas’ 15. Harriet Ford, a 6-foot-3 freshman from Perth, Australia, controlled the glass with a game-high 15 rebounds to go with seven points and a block.

The Dukes’ downfall was a combination of cold shooting and ball security issues. They shot just 38% from the field and 26% from 3-point range while committing 19 turnovers, which Dayton converted into 18 points. The Flyers, meanwhile, shot 43% overall and a sharp 43% from deep, making 10 3-pointers to Duquesne’s seven.

Dayton also won the battle at the free-throw line, making 10 of 18 attempts while Duquesne was a perfect but less frequent 6 for 6.

The game was a back-and-forth affair for three quarters, featuring 10 lead changes and six ties. Duquesne’s largest lead was seven points early in the second quarter, but Dayton chipped away, taking its first lead since the opening minutes on an O’Riordan 3-pointer that made it 55-52 with 6:14 to play. The Flyers never trailed again, sealing the game at the foul line in the final minute.

For Dayton, Nayo Lear added 12 points and three assists, and Olivia Leung scored 14 points, all in the first three quarters. The Flyers’ defense registered 10 steals and six blocks.

Duquesne’s Ford was a force inside, helping her team to a 42-35 rebounding edge, including 15 offensive boards, but the Dukes could not capitalize enough on those second chances.

The victory gave Dayton a winning start to its conference schedule and evened its home record at 4-4. Duquesne, which had won two of its last three entering the game, continues its search for consistency.

Dayton next hosts Loyola Chicago on Wednesday. Duquesne returns home to face Saint Bonaventure, also on Wednesday.