The University of Minnesota Duluth made multiple runs to swing within a few points on Friday night, but it was the extra chances by Minot State University that proved to be the difference. The Bulldogs grabbed an early 8-5 lead just over three minutes into the game, but MSU quickly pulled ahead and held the advantage the remainder of the night.

The Beavers snagged 11 offensive rebounds compared to only four from UMD, helping to result in a 17 extra shot attempts for Minot State.

Despite outshooting the Beavers by over 17 percent in the first half, UMD found itself facing a 40-34 deficit at the break. Freshman forward Brandon Myer, returning to game action for the first time since Jan. 3 due to injury, netted 11 first half points including seven straight in the final 2:08 to end the half.

The Bulldogs fell behind early due to hot-shooting from Minot State, 16-8, just past the five minute mark. UMD was able to take advantage of some efficient shooting of its own to remain within striking distance, never trailing by more than 11 points through the first 20 minutes.

The Bulldogs pulled within two points early in the second half, but the Beavers always seemed to have an answer -- leading by 10 points or more much of the second half. Minot State extended its lead to as much as 23 points with 5:08 to play, concluding the game with a 79-63 victory.

Myer finished with a career-high 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting, while freshman forward Luke Harris notched 12 points on 5-of-8 from the floor. Despite being held scoreless, junior guard Kyle Schalow paced the Bulldogs in rebounds, picking up seven boards.

The Bulldogs will return to the court tomorrow night for a rematch with the University of Mary at 6 p.m. UMD edged out a victory over the Marauders 86-84 on Dec. 30 in the first matchup between the schools.