Springfield, MO – The No. 18 University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team opened the 2021-22 season by pushing defending NCAA runner-up and current No. 2 Drury University to its limit, falling just short of the Panthers 65-58 on their home court.
 
The first quarter saw both teams battling and trading baskets. Whenever Drury went on a run, the Bulldogs answered with a run of their own. After the Panthers took a 15-10 lead, the Bulldogs cut it to a 15-14 at the end of the quarter thanks to two consecutive jumpers from Ella Gilbertson. The second quarter once again saw both teams trade baskets as neither team could jump ahead. To end the half, UMD went on a 10-2 lead to end the half with a 33-28 lead over Drury.
 
In the third quarter Drury came out hot to tie the game up at 35-35. The Bulldogs went on another run as they would score 8 straight points to take a 43-25 advantage. Once again, the Panthers fought back to tie it up. Thanks to a free throw from Brooke Olson, the Bulldogs took an 46-45 lead into the 4^th quarter. The fourth quarter would be highly competitive as both teams battled. Neither team could take a significant lead until Drury was able to take a 59-54 lead with 1:43 left in the quarter. After the Bulldogs closed to within three points at 59-56, their offense would sputter as they could not find a answer for the Drury defense late in the game. UMD would foul late in a effort to come back in the game but it proved unsuccessful as the Panthers closed them out and win the game 65-58.
 
The Bulldogs were led by Senior Brooke Olson who had 17 points on the night.  Sophomore Ella Gilbertson and junior Madelyn Granica both added 7 points off the bench for the Bulldogs. Olson would also tally 11 rebounds on the night for her first double-double of the season. Olson and senior Maesyn Thiesen led the team with 3 assists on the night. Overall, the Bulldogs shot 23-57 (40.3%) from the field and 6-24 (25%) from three-point range. They also shot 6-10 (60%) from the free throw line.
 
The Panthers were led by Paige Robinson who had 16 points on the night. Alana Findley and Kaylee DaMitz added 14 and 12 points respectively. Findley added 12 rebounds on the night while DaMitz added 4 assists to lead the Panthers. Overall, Drury shot 22-55 (40%) from the field and 7-17 (41.2%) from three-point range. They also shot 14-18 (77.8%) from the free throw line.
 
Who's Next:
The Bulldogs will continue their road trip as they will travel to face off against Wisconsin-Parkside on Thursday November 18^th. They will then travel to face off against Michigan Tech on Saturday November 20^th. They will be home on Tuesday November 23^rd for their home and conference opener.