The No.13 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team returned home to Romano Gymnasium in their home opener and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) opener, taking down the Wayne State College (NE) Wildcats 82-54.

Halftime: UMD (41) - WSC (27)

The Bulldogs got off to a hot start this afternoon, securing the first six points of the half with a layup bucket from Charlie Katona and four successful free throws from two Wildcat fouls. UMD would manage to keep the Wildcats to just five points before going on a nine point run to put themselves up 21-5 within the first 6 minutes of the matchup. UMD would prevent the Wildcats from putting up more than two shots from the field in a row throughout the half to bring the scoreline to 41-27 before the break.

UMD shot 15-31 (48.4%) from the field throughout the first 20 minutes and held the Wildcats to just 8-33 (24.2%). The Bulldogs would comparatively see much more benefit from three point range, going 3-10 from outside the arc to keep them in the lead.

Final: UMD (82) - WSC (54)

It would take an Austin Andrews free throw to get the scoring going in the second half, and the two teams would evenly match each other for a majority of play. A run of eight unanswered points with five minutes left, mixed with the already established 14 point lead from the first half, would keep the Bulldogs in front enough to close out the game and secure a win in their conference and home opener.

UMD would close out the game shooting 28-65 (43.1%) from the field with seven from three point range. 20 personal fouls from WSC and 16 fouls from the Bulldogs meant both teams had plenty of chances from the charity line, but UMD was able to capitalize on it more effectively shooting 19-23 (82.6) from the line. 

Top Performers

Senior forward Charlie Katona takes away the Player of the Game award after shooting 7-12 from the field with a 75% three point percentage for a game high 21 points, all while tallying six rebounds, one block, and one steal. Senior forward Lincoln Meister led the team with 8 rebounds while also shooting 4-7 from the field and 4-4 from the charity line for a second team best 12 points.

Looking Ahead

Men's Basketball returns to Romano Gymnasium for part two of the home opening weekend to take on the Augustana University Vikings. The action will tip off for the Bulldogs at 2:00 PM.