The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team clinched their third straight NSIC tournament championship Tuesday night, beating Minnesota State 80-74. The Bulldogs are the first women's team to have three consecutive tournament championships.
Brooke Olson would notch yet another historical award in her career as she was named tournament MVP for the third year in a row. Not only was she the first Bulldog to accomplish this feat, but the first women's player in the NSIC to do so. Also joining Olson on the All-Tournament team are Maesyn Thiesen and Ella Gilbertson.
The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders to start the game, jumping to an early six point lead after Olson and Taytum Rhoades drained threes. The Bulldogs would continue to dominate the Mavericks in the first quarter, shooting 61.1% from the field and 60% from three.
The Mavericks would inevitably end UMD's onslaught with a three pointer, bringing the score to 26-9. The Bulldogs, however, would hang on to the lead and end the first quarter 28-14.
The second quarter would continue in the favor of the Bulldogs, despite the Mavericks closing the gap to a ten point lead. The Bulldogs would continue their offensive streak and close out the second half shooting 58.1% from the field and 100% from the line.
UMD started to feel the pressure of Minnesota State's defense in the third, but kept their composure thanks to Olson. She notched the first bucket of the quarter to extend the Bulldog lead back to ten. The Mavericks would come within four, thanks to a strong layup from Destinee Bursch who finished the night with 25 points.
The Bulldogs would string a few more points together thanks to Gilbertson, who finished with 13 points. UMD would hang on to the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Mankato would start to turn up the heat on defense in the fourth, forcing two turnovers within the first two minutes. The Mavericks used their momentum to force the Bulldogs to give back their offensive control. The Mavericks would tie it up with a three pointer, but would never take the lead.
The Bulldogs remained calm and continued to push the defense. UMD put away 22 of the 27 free throws on the night, shooting 81.5% behind the line. Olson would sink the last free throws of the game, giving the Bulldogs a historic ending and winning their third straight tournament 80-74.
Up Next:
With the tournament win, the Bulldogs solidified their NCAA tournament bid. The Bulldogs currently sit at number two in the NCAA DII Central region rankings. The selection show will take place on Sunday, March 5 at 9:00pm central time.
