The No.13 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team put on an impressive offensive display in this afternoon's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matchup with a 92-65 win over the Augustana University Vikings.

Halftime: UMD (53) - AU (35)

The two teams both started off strong, testing each other's limits and keeping tied 7-7 through the first five minutes. Back to back successful layups from Andrews would let the Bulldogs pull out to a small lead that they would ride out for the next few minutes before a run of seven unanswered points, bookended by a Charlie Katona three pointer, would increase their advantage over the Vikings. This momentum boost would power UMD to another seven point run in the final minutes of the half, and end with a Middleton buzzer beater three pointer to beat the clock going into the break. 

UMD shot 19-38 (67.9%) from the field while going 6-8 from outside the arc and 9-10 from the charity line throughout the first half. A costly nine personal fouls from the Vikings through the first twenty would hinder their own momentum and allow the Bulldogs to hold onto a significant lead.

Final Score: UMD (92) - AU (65)

Another Katona three pointer would get the scoring going in the second half. UMD would benefit from their already established lead as the two teams would go back and forth trading buckets, with the Bulldogs just barely outscoring AU 18-17 through the first 12 minutes of the second. Two successful free throws from Katona would jumpstart the UMD offense to close out the game with momentum, outscoring the Vikings 22-12 in the final eight minutes of the game and capping off their undefeated weekend.

UMD closed out the game shooting 32-57 (56.1%) from the field, with 11-21 (52.4%) from three point range and 17-19 (89.5%) from the free throw line. The success of the Bulldogs from outside the arc and their 19 opportunities from the line, compared to a Vikings 21.4% three point percentage and only 12 free throw opportunities, would prove to be the deciding factors to close out the contest. 

Top Performers

Senior forward Austin Andrews takes home the Player of the Game honors today, shooting 7-11 (63.6%) from the field to lead the team with 14 points while also collecting seven rebounds, one block, and one steal. Graduate student guard Jack Middleton shot 4-6 (66.7%) with two from outside the arc and 4-4 (100%) from the free throw line, tying for a team high 14 points. 

Looking Ahead

Men's basketball will head out on the road to take on the University of Sioux Falls Cougars and the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs next weekend. All the Bulldog action will tip off on Friday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 PM.