The No.19 University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team split their weekend road trip, despite a powerful second half effort, with a loss to the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs in tonight's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matchup.

Halftime: UMD (39) - SMSU (46)

UMD would get the first bucket of the game off of a Karge layup and match the Mustang offense for the first five minutes, staying tied 12-12 halfway through the first quarter. A five point run by SMSU would barely put them out front, but the Bulldogs would close the lead to be within three points by the end of the quarter. A Moorjani three to start the UMD scoring in the second quarter and a Hakamaki three with five minutes left in the half would help the Bulldogs tie up the game at 37-37, but the Mustangs would respond with nine unanswered points through the next three minutes and close out the half with a seven point lead over UMD.

UMD would end the first half shooting 14-32 (43.7%) from the field, 2-6 (33.3%) from three point range, and 9-11 (81.8%) from the free throw line. UMD's six offensive rebounds and SMSU's 11 personal fouls would keep the Bulldogs within striking distance heading into the intermission.

Final Score: UMD (80) - SMSU (86)

The Bulldogs would start the second half off stronger, picking up the first bucket with a Gilbertson layup and outsourcing the Mustangs 12-9 through the first seven minutes to cut the deficit to just four points. The Mustangs would respond with a run of seven consecutive points, to keep their lead at 11 heading into the fourth quarter. The Bulldog offense would surge back, with the help of another Gilbertson three, to outscore the Mustangs 18-7 through the first five minutes and tie up the game 71-71. A successful free throw and back to back three pointers from SMSU would give them back the lead, a lead they would hold onto despite being outscored 9-8 through the final three minutes to close out the game.

UMD would close out the night shooting 30-66 (45.5%) from the field, 3-11 (27.3%) from outside the arc, and 17-21 (81%) from the charity line. Despite UMD capturing 13 offensive rebounds and besting the Mustangs in points in the paint, SMSU's success from three point range and seven steals would allow them to barely stay out in front through the end of the game.  

Top Performers

Senior guard Ella Gilbertson shot 7-11 (63.6%) with one three pointer and a perfect 4-4 (100%) from the free throw line to lead the Bulldogs with 20 points, all while tallying on four assists and five rebounds. Graduate student Taytum Rhoades shot 6-11 (54.5%) from the field for 14 points and collected four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. 

Looking Ahead

Women's Basketball will stop in the Twin Cities next weekend to take on the Concordia St. Paul Golden Bears before returning to Duluth to host the Winona State Warriors at Romano Gym. The action for the Bulldogs will tip off on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 PM.