Duluth, Minn. – The UMD Bulldogs would host the Nebraska at Kearney Lopers in their season opener as a part of the American Family Insurance Classic. The Bulldogs would use a big 43-point second half to propel them to a 77-64 win.
 
The first half would see both teams' defenses playing well. The Lopers held the Bulldogs to under 30 points until right before the halftime buzzer as the Bulldogs would score 5 points within 30 seconds to take a 34-29 lead into half. Both teams would shoot 44% from the field in the first half. The Lopers would go 4-10 from three-point while the Bulldogs would go 4-14 in the first half.
 
The second half would see the Bulldogs offense turn it up a notch. Five minutes into the second half, the Bulldogs would extend their lead to 47-37 thanks to a big-time dunk from Austin Andrews. The Bulldogs would keep their foot on the throttle as they would continue to build up a big lead. After a three-pointer from Joshua Brown, the Bulldogs would take a 65-51 lead. From there, the Bulldogs would control the rest of the game as they would go on to win the game 77-64. The Lopers would not be able to get the Bulldogs lead to under 9 points during the last 15 minutes of the second half.
 
The Bulldogs would see four starters in double digits as sophomore Joshua Brown would lead the way with 18 points on the night. Redshirt junior Drew Blair would add 17 points on the night while sophomore Austin Andrew would add 14 points. Andrews would lead the team in rebounds as he would tally 11 on the night for a double double. Drew Blair and junior Jack Middleton would lead the team in assists with 4 a piece.
 
The Bulldogs would shoot 48.3% from the field tonight and 28% from three-point range. They would also shoot 85.7% from the foul line. UMD would commit just 9 turnovers on the night and would commit 18 fouls.
 
The Lopers were led by David Simental who had a game high 25 points. Austin Luger would also add 15 points. Simental would also tally 6 assists on the night. Sean Evens would tally 7 rebounds to lead the team.
 
Nebraska at Kearney would shoot 43.4% on the night while shooting 33.3% from three-point range. They would also shoot 70.6% from the foul line. The Lopers would commit only 9 turnovers and would commit 18 fouls.
 
The American Family Classic will continue tomorrow as Minnesota Crookston faces off against Nebraska at Kearney at 2:00 PM. The Bulldogs will then face off against the East Central Tigers to conclude the American Family Classic at 4:00 PM in Romano. Come out and support your Bulldogs!