The UMD women's basketball team was back in Romano Sunday for a conference matchup against the St. Cloud State Huskies. The Bulldogs took the all-NSIC bout 64-55, improving their overall record to 9-2 and entering the break a perfect 6-0 in conference action.

UMD came out hot in quarter one, jumping to an early 17-4 lead. This fast start was led by Brooke Olson, who scored seven points in the run on 3-7 shooting. Ella Gilbertson was also big for the Bulldogs here, scoring six points while going a perfect 3-3 from the field. Taytum Rhoades did a bit of everything during the run with a pair of rebounds, points, blocks and assists to go with one steal. UMD ended the first period up 19-7.

In the second quarter, St. Cloud flipped the script. Early in period number two, Olson entered some foul trouble, which would send her to the bench for the seven minutes remaining before halftime. The Huskies made sure to take advantage of this by limiting three-point attempts and focusing on attacking the paint. UMD was outscored 13-7 in quarter two. However, the Bulldogs still maintained a 26-20 lead going into the break.

At halftime, UMD was led by Olson, who contributed nine points and collected two rebounds. Gilbertson added six points off the bench while also securing two rebounds. Thiesen scored four points, dished out three assists and blocked two shots. Rhoades was everywhere in half number one, supplying UMD with a pair of points, blocks and assists to go along with seven rebounds and a steal.

During the third, the Bulldogs were able to shake off the shooting woes, going an even 50% from the field on 10 attempts. And Olson had another electric frame, scoring nine points on 2-4 shooting while going a perfect 4-4 from the line. However, the Huskies continued to play with new life, outscoring UMD for a second straight period, this time 21-19. 

By the time the fourth and final quarter rolled around, the Bulldogs were still ahead 45-41. With a score of 49-47 and just over seven minutes remaining in the game, Kaylee Nelson assisted Thiesen, and the lead was again at four. This basket sparked an 8-3 Bulldog run that swayed momentum back in UMD's favor. Olson converted two strong post finishes  and assisted a cutting Gilbertson shortly thereafter. UMD had regained control at just the right time. An Olson three-pointer served as a dagger, giving the Bulldogs a 60-52 lead with 51 seconds left. UMD would close things out at a final score of 64-55. 

Olson led the Bulldogs with a team-high 25 points on 8-12 (66.7%) shooting to go along with five rebounds and two blocks. Gilbertson added 14 points on 6-9 (66.7%) shooting of her own off the bench to go with three rebounds and three assists. Thiesen provided 13 points on 4-8 shooting to pair with a team-leading five assists. Rhoades scored four points, grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and had three assists, two blocks and two steals.

St. Cloud State was led by Katrina Theis, who scored 19 points on 8-17 shooting. Jada Eggebrecht was the Huskies' other double-digit scorer with 11 points on the night. 

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The Bulldogs will enjoy a two-week break for the holidays. The next time they play is on Saturday, December 31, 2022 against Northern State. UMD then opens the new year on Sunday, January 1, 2023 against MSU Moorhead. Both of these New Year's Weekend contests will be at home.