The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team fought hard in a back and forth battle before defeating Northern State University 67-64 at Romano Gymnasium Saturday evening. 

The rust from a night ago had worn off as the Bulldogs came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 8-13 (61.5%) from the field in the first quarter. Despite the Bulldogs' hot start, the Wolves also had their offense working as they matched the Bulldogs by shooting 8-12 (66.7%) from the field in the first quarter. Both teams continued to play one another hard in the second quarter and the teams remained deadlocked going into the halftime break.

In the third quarter, UMD would try and put some distance between them and the Wolves by shooting 3-5 (60%) from beyond the arc. UMD enjoyed a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter before having to withstand one last push from the Wolves before closing out the weekend series. 

In total, three Bulldogs would finish in double digits in the points category. Junior forward Brooke Olson again led the way for UMD offensively with a team high 15 points going 6-12 (50%) shooting and playing the most minutes at 33:54. Olson also added three boards, two assists and one blocked shot. Junior guard Maesyn Thiesen finished right behind Olson scoring 14 points of her own, going 5-6 shooting from the field and 3-3 from beyond the far line. Thiesen also tallied three rebounds and led UMD with a team high six helpers. Senior guard Ann Simonet rounded out the top three scoring 10 points, going 4-6 shooting from the field and 2-3 shooting from beyond the arc. SImonet also grabbed three rebounds, dished out one assist and tallied one steal. Senior forward Sarah Grow would lead UMD in rebounds with four. Grow also recorded six points and one assist. 

Sophomore Taytum Rhoades and freshman guard/forward Ella Gilbertson came off the bench and played key minutes for UMD, with both playing upwards of 15 minutes. Both got on the score sheet as Rhoades posted five points along with four assists and two steals. GIlbertson posted seven points and two rebounds. 

With two wins this weekend, the Bulldogs extend their home winning streak to 26 games. The Bulldogs have not lost inside Romano Gym since December 19th 2018.

UMD hits the road again next weekend as they take on the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.