In their first meeting since the 2014-15 season, and a rare Tuesday morning outing, the University of Minnesota Duluth ushered in 2017 with a 62-56 triumph over the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

The Bulldogs (8-4 overall; 6-2 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) used a hot start and a strong finish to help lift them over the Yellowjackets, of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, (9-4; 5-0 UMAC) and win their fourth game in a row. UMD has now won four in a row for the first time since 2013-14. 

The Bulldogs jumped out a 13-0 lead in the first 5:11 of the game before freshman forward Eva Reinertsen knocked down a three for the Yellowjackets at 6:44. UMD held UWS to a mere five points in the first quarter; the least amount of points it's allowed this season in a single quarter. Senior forward Taylor Meyer garnered a double-double with 17 points on 5-for-10 shooting and a season-high 13 rebounds. Meyer also went 7-9 from the free-throw line and added three assists. Sophomore guard Sammy Kozlowski continued to fill the stat sheet as she scored 12 points on 3-for-5 shooting and went a perfect 6-for-6 at the charity strip. Kozlowski also added a team-high eight assists and five boards. 

One of the biggest keys to success for the Bulldogs during their four-game win streak has been free throws. After having made no more than 14 free throws in its first nine games, UMD has averaged 17.8 made during the streak. The Bulldogs are now 8-2 when they make 20-plus field goals, and 0-2 when they don't. 

UMD will hit the road to take on the University of Minnesota-Crookston (2-9; 2-5 NSIC) on Friday (Jan. 6) at 6 p.m., and Bemidji State University (3-8; 0-7 NSIC) on Saturday (Jan. 7) at 4 p.m. The Beavers will be looking to break their current seven-game losing skid.