The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team let their defense defend their No. 19 ranking Wednesday night as the Bulldogs held Michigan Tech to only 19 second-half points enroute to a 54-40 win before 722 in Romano Gymnasium.

UMD dominated the glass and outrebounded their second straight opponent as they grabbed 42 rebounds to the Huskies' 27. The Bulldogs once again overcame a slow start, shooting only 24.1 percent in an opening half that showcased seven lead changes. UMD took a slight 23-21 lead into halftime but built on it in the second-half, and never trailed again for the rest of the game.

The Bulldogs won the battle of the top-ranked defensive teams, however, and it showed in the victory. The Huskies came into the night allowing teams to score only 54.2 points a game, but UMD was able to hold Tech to 30.8 percent shooting on the night with 12-for 39 from the field. The Huskies were leashed, scoring only 40 points, the fewest the Bulldogs have allowed an opponent all season. UMD was dominating on the defensive side of the court, forcing 12 steals to Tech's 3.

Lindsey Dietz, double-teamed and all, torched the Huskies for a game-high 33 points and 14 rebounds. It was Dietz's third 30-plus game of the season and second in a row. Justine Axtell chipped in nine points and eight rebounds in the contest for the Bulldogs.

Michigan Tech, 8-2, was led by Amanda Sieja (11) and Catherine Rottier (10).

UMD, 12-1 and still off to it's best start in program history, head to the west coast to take on Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday, December 29. Tip-off is on tap for 9 p.m. CST.