Duluth, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs hosted the Minnesota State Moorhead Dragons Friday night. Led by a strong defensive performance, the Bulldogs went on to twin 67-42 for their 9^th straight win. The Bulldogs improve to 17-4 (15-2).
 
The first quarter began with the Dragons starting with a quick hot start as they jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead over the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs managed to settle in as they battled their way back into the game as they got the Dragons lead down to one point as they trailed 8-7 with 5:03 remaining in the first quarter. Teams continued to battle and trade baskets down the stretch of the first quarter as it was a tightly contested quarter. After the Bulldogs took a lead, the Dragons responded with a basket at the end of the quarter as teams were tied up at the end of the first quarter 13-13. The Bulldogs shot 4-10 (40%) from the field in the first quarter and 1-3 (33.3%) from three-point range in the quarter. The Dragons shot 5-16 (31.3%) from the field and 2-6 (33.3%) from three-point range in the quarter.
 
The Bulldogs defense stepped up to begin the second quarter as they held the Dragons scoreless for the first four minutes of the quarter. Despite this, the Bulldogs could not pull away as the score was tied 15-15 with 6:12 remaining in the quarter. From there, the Bulldogs offense came alive thanks to back-to-back baskets from Sarah Grow and Payton Kahl to give the Bulldogs a 20-15 lead. The Bulldogs did not stop there as they continued to extend their lead as they led by as many as 13 points in the second quarter as they led 30-17 lead with 1:31 remaining in the first half. The Dragons managed to cut into the lead at the end of the half as the Bulldogs took a 31-23 halftime lead. Brooke Olson led the way for the Bulldogs in the first half as she had 10 first half points as the Bulldogs shot 6-13 (46.2%) from the field in the second quarter and 1-6 (16.7%) from three-point range. The Dragons struggled on the offensive end as they shot 4-18 (22.2%) from the field and 2-8 (25%) in the quarter.
 
The Bulldogs continued their strong play in the second quarter as their defense once again locked down the Dragons on offense. The Bulldogs managed to hold the Dragons to just two points for over five minutes to begin the third quarter. During that span, the Bulldogs offense continued to build their lead as they built up to a 44-27 lead with 3:59 remaining in the quarter. The Bulldogs were able to maintain their double-digit lead for the remainder of the quarter as they led 44-31 going into the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs shot 5-12 (41.7%) from the field and 0-3 from three-point range. The Dragons shot 4-16 (25%) from the field and 0-5 from three-point range.
 
Maesyn Thiesen started the fourth quarter with a layup for the Bulldogs to extend their lead to 15 points. The Bulldogs defense continued to lock down the Dragons as the Dragons could not get into any rhythm on the offensive end of the floor. The Bulldogs continued to control the game as they led by double-digits throughout the quarter. A pair of fast break layups helped extend the Bulldogs lead to 20 points as the Bulldogs led 53-33 with 5:12 remaining. The Bulldogs stayed hot as a Maesyn Theiesen three-pointer extended their lead to 23 points. The Bulldogs defense continued to shut down the Dragons down the stretch as the Bulldogs went on to win
 
The Bulldogs were led by Brooke Olson who had 18 points on the night. Olson also led the team with 8 rebounds. Ella Gilbertson led the team with 4 assists while Taytum Rhoades, Ann Simonet, and Maesyn Thiesen all added 3 assists of their own. Overall, the Bulldogs shot 24-49 (49%) from the field and 4-18 (22.2%) from three-point range. They also shot 15-20 from the free-throw line.
The Dragons were led by Peyton Boom and Natalie Jens who both had 9 points. Shyanne Loiland led the team with 7 rebounds while Natalie Steichen led the team with 4 assists. Overall, the Dragons shot 16-62 (25.8%) from the field and 4-24 (16.7%) from three-point range. They also shot 6-12 from the foul line.
 
Who's Next:
The Bulldogs will be home tomorrow as they host Northern State for senior day!