The No.25 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team picked up a strong comeback win tonight, defeating the Minnesota State University Mavericks 75-64 in the team's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) season opener.

Halftime: UMD (31) - MSU (31)

The Bulldogs scored the first basket of the game, but struggled to keep up with the pace of the Mavericks defense. Through the first 10 minutes, MSU was able to force 12 turnovers and keep UMD to only four points in the paint. The Bulldogs would rely on their free throw success, scoring half of their first quarter points from the line off of 11 MSU personal fouls. UMD would get things going with the long ball throughout the second quarter, going 3-5 from three point range while continuing to benefit off of the MSU personal fouls.

UMD would shoot 9-17 with a 52.9% field goal percentage, 10-16 with a 62.5% free throw percentage, and 3-6 with a 50% three point percentage in the first half. Despite forcing 19 turnovers, MSU would also tally 18 personal fouls allowing for UMD to make up ground and tie things up before the break.

Final Score: UMD (75) - MSU (31)

The two teams would keep the scoring close throughout the third quarter, staying within one point of each with two minutes left. A string of seven unanswered points for the Bulldogs would boost the scoring momentum for UMD, outscoring the Mavericks 24-16 in the third. Another 13 total personal fouls from MSU through the final 20 minutes would help solidify things for the Bulldogs, who would hold onto the lead through the final 14:24 of the game.

UMD would close things out shooting 21-41 from the field, with a 50% three point percentage and a 67.7% free throw percentage. The downfall for MSU was in their 31 personal fouls throughout the entire game, allowing UMD to respond on any of their points and hold out a lead to secure a win in their conference opener.

Top Performers

Graduate student guard Taytum Rhoades led the scoring in tonight's game, shooting 6-10 from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line for a total 22 points. Senior guard Taya Hakamaki records her first double double performance of the season, shooting 5-9 from the field and 7-7 from the line for 18 total points and a game high 10 rebounds.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will return back to Duluth for their home opener this weekend at Romano Gymnasium against Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan. The action will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 2:00 PM.