The University of Minnesota Duluth amounted just 12 points in the second half, falling in a defensive battle against the University of Mary, 54-44 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action on Saturday afternoon in Duluth.

UMD (5-12, 5-9 NSIC) could not defend its home court for the second straight evening, falling behind early 18-8 with 6:49 away in the first quarter. At that point, the Bulldogs made their move, running off a 19-1 score and holding U-Mary ( ) scoreless for 8:56 of game clock deep into the second quarter. UMD took a lead to the locker room at 32-26, but the defensive battle would go fall into the Marauders' favor after the break. Junior forward Hannah Larson would lead U-Mary to tie the score at 32 with four points in the opening 2:18 of the period. She finished with a double-double, leading all players with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Marauders opened the second half with a 9-2 run to take the lead, but the Bulldogs answered with seven straight points to regain their lead headed to the game's final frame.

Unfortunately, UMD's offense fell victim to a slump of its own, with sophomore forward Allison Olley laying-in a score with 8:50 remaining to give the Bulldogs a seven point lead -- the final points of the game for the Bulldogs as U-Mary finished the game on a 17-0 run. Olley finished with a team-high nine rebounds and eight points on the night. Junior center Allyson Harris had 14 points to lead the Bulldogs offensively. UMD shot just 14.1 percent in the second half (4-of-28) while making good on just 3-of-7 trips to the free throw line. Meanwhile, Minot State was not much better, shooting 22.73 percent (5-of-22) but went to the line 23 times for 17 points. Both teams shot 27 percent for the game overall.

The Bulldogs will have a chance to regroup before the homestand continues next week when the University of Sioux Falls travels to Duluth. Opening tip is set for 6:00 p.m. on Friday night.