The University of Minnesota Duluth knew it would face a difficult road challenge Friday night, squaring off against an impressive Southwest Minnesota State University early in the 2016-17 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference season.

The Bulldogs held leads in the first half, but SMSU's lights-out second-half shooting ultimately put UMD away in 94-76 win.

Southwest Minnesota shot 59.4 percent in the final 20 minutes, including a stellar nine of 12 (75 percent) from the three-point line.

Overall, the Bulldogs (1-6 overall; 1-2 NSIC) connected on 28 of 66 from the field for a 42.4 shooting percentage. UMD  knocked down a season-high 12 three-pointers on 24 attempts, while going a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe. SMSU one-upped the Bulldogs from long range, converting on 13 three-pointers on 23 attempts. As has been the case in all but one game this season, UMD's opponent attempted more free throws than the Bulldogs -- the Mustangs made 21 of 24 from the free throw line.

SMSU was able to take advantage on the fast break, scoring 15 points as compared to UMD's zero.

Freshman forward Luke Harris exploded for 25 points to lead the Bulldogs, making nine of 13 field goal attempts and five of six from three-point range. Junior guard Kyle Schalow added 10 points and contributed on the boards as well, picking up six rebounds.

UMD and SMSU battled back and forth in the opening half, but it was the free throw shooting of the Mustangs that took a 44-38 lead into halftime. Despite the Bulldogs making more field goals and three-pointers, SMSU held the lead due to converting 18 of 20 from the charity stripe, while UMD attempted just three free throws in the first half. The Bulldogs did not allow the Mustangs to hold a lead for the opening 14 minutes, but an 11 point run by SMSU gave it its first lead.

With 13:06 to play in the game and the Mustangs holding a 10 point advantage, SMSU embarked on a 12-2 run to all but put the game out of reach. The Mustangs would lead by as much as 22 in the closing two minutes, but closed the game at a 94-76 mark. Freshman guard Max Bawden saw his first collegiate action in the final minutes, converting on a layup with 44 seconds remaining.

UMD is back in action tomorrow night as they face the University of Sioux Falls at 6 p.m.