Seniors Brett Ervin and Reece Zoelle helped propel the University of Minnesota Duluth to an epic comeback as the Bulldogs scored 52 second-half points to come back from a 14-point deficit and knock off Northern State University 67-63 in their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference divisional rematch in Aberdeen, South Dakota on Saturday night.

UMD (13-13, 10-10 NSIC) pulled back even on the season and sits a game up on Minot State University for the fourth seed and a home playoff game in the NSIC Postseason Tournament. "It would be nice to be up two games with one to play, but if they're able to beat St. Cloud and we fail, it'll be for all the marbles on Saturday night," said head coach Matt Bowen. "It's just a matter of taking one game, one possession at a time. We surpassed last year's win total.  We want to build on that and see how this season ends." Northern State (19-7, 13-7 NSIC), meanwhile, sits a game up on St. Cloud State University for the third seed.

HIGHLIGHTS
• After going 0-for-9 in the first half, Ervin was 7-of-7, including 4-of-4 from three-point range to finish with a game-high 18 points, grabbing seven rebounds to lead the Bulldogs. Zoelle, meanwhile, had six of UMD's 15 points at halftime and went on to score 17 for the game.
• Junior guard Skye Warwick had seven points at the break and finished with 13 points, leading a trio of Wolves to reach double digits scoring. Senior guard Mitch White led Northern State with nine rebounds.

After shooting just 7-of-28 in the opening 20 minutes and netting 15 points, the Bulldogs came back from halftime to make two-thirds of their shots in the second half, including 9-of-12 from three point range to rally past Northern State. "It's hard to even explain," laughed Bowen after the game. "It's the second time this year we've scored 52 points in the second half to come back and win (Jan. 30 against the University of Sioux Falls after trailing 36-22 at the half) It's a game of made and missed shots. Our players are pretty good when we're on, and when we're not, it leaves a bit to be desired."

In the first meeting between the teams, UMD led 40-19 two minutes into the second half, but Northern State made a comeback to steal a game in Duluth. "We ended up drying up, getting outscored down the stretch. It's a funny game." This time though, Ervin and Zoelle put the team on their backs as senior leaders to give the Bulldogs the boost they needed. "Reece has played significantly better this last stretch. You have to give a lot of credit to Ervin. I told them [at halftime], 'You can't play any worse. Let's chip away at it two points at a time. They didn't get frustrated or selfish."

UMD finished the game shooting 45.5 percent, including 10-of-23 from three-point range, and making good on 7-of-8 free throw attempts in the second half after none in the first. Northern State shot 46.3 percent for the game but made good on 6-of-17 three pointers - four points proving the difference in the game.
 

The Bulldogs will be back on their home court to close out the regular season against the University of Mary and Minot State next weekend. Opening tip between UMD and U-Mary is set for 8:00 p.m. on Friday night, following the women's contest at Romano Gym.