The University of Minnesota Duluth picked up its second victory in lopsided fashion in the home opener Wednesday night. The Bulldogs led by as much as 39 in the second half as they blew out Lake Superior University 89-51 at Romano Gymnasium. UMD shot a scorching 50 percent from the floor including 6-of-7 from three-point land in the second half. Junior guard Sammy Kozlowski led the Bulldogs with eight of the club's 27 assists, the most by the team since Jan. 6, 2001 when the Bulldogs dished out 28 dimes against the University of Minnesota Morris. UMD (2-1) assisted on 27 of its 35 made baskets and had 11 different players recorded a field goal.

When asked how the team exploded for 89 points, the best scoring output since Feb. 14, 2014 vs. Upper Iowa University (89 points), head coach Mandy Pearson described it in one word. Teamwork.

"I feel very lucky to coach this team," said Pearson. "I don't think everyone on this team cares about who scores the most points. It's really fun to be around. The senior leadership by Anna Monke, who is one of the most unselfish leaders I have ever coached, has installed her unselfish personally with the team and they are doing whatever they can to be successful."

Kozlowski pushed for a triple-double but ended with nine points and eight rebounds to go along with her assists. Freshman forward Sarah Grow continued her hot collegiate start hitting eight of her 12 shots for a game-high 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for her second double-double. Grow was a force inside as well rejecting three Laker attempts. 

The Bulldogs dominated the interior, scoring 40 points in the paint and had 24 second chance points thanks in part to 17 offensive rebounds. Sophomore guard Taylor Schneider had the hot hand when she was inserted in the second half. In 16 minutes, Schneider compiled 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Sophomore forward Josie Buckley also supplied good effort off the bench with eight points and eight rebounds.

The Lakers (0-2) were held without a field goal for te last 3:43 and had a scoring drought of 4:30 in the third period. LSSU only put up seven points in the third period as the Bulldogs marched onward to lead by 32 heading to the fourth. Tamara Novic and Clarie Radtke each finished with 10 points for the Lakers, who committed 22 turnovers on the night. 

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Dec. 1 to start Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play against Bemidji State University. Tip of that NSIC contest is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m.