Box Score The University of Minnesota Duluth extended its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference winning streak to a pair, defeating Bemidji State University on the road in dominating fashion, opening a big second half lead and holding off the Beavers to win 70-63.

The Bulldogs run their record to 5-2, and 2-1 in the NSIC, before returning to their home court at Romano Gym next weekend. UMD slowly built a lead 40-29 halftime lead by out-rebounding Bemidji State (0-0. 0-0 NSIC) 30-17 in the opening 20 minutes. Offensively, the first half belonged to UMD's Hannah Rutten as the senior center went off for a double-double in 17 minutes on the court. Rutten had 17 points and 11 rebounds at the break, 7-for-16 from the floor in the opening frame.

The Bulldogs opened the second half on a 15-3 run to extend their breathing room significantly. The Beavers battled back, cutting the lead down to just five in the closing seconds, but Rutten made good on a pair of rebounds to put the game on ice. Rutten finished with 22 points and 15 boards to lead all scorers. Sophomore forward Taylor Meyer took over scoring the second half and finished with 22 points of her own. Junior guard Alyssa Kerkhoff added 11 points and a pair of helpers on the night.

Bemidji State shot just 37.0 percent on the night, including 3-for-12 from beyond the arch when they needed to score big to effort a comeback. UMD cooled in the second half but shot 38.8 percent on the night and out-rebounded BSU 50-36 at the closing horn.

As said, the Bulldogs are back at home next weekend for the first time in almost a month. UMD takes on the University of Mary on Friday night and Minot State University the following night. Friday's tip is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Romano.