The University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team benefited from an early lead to stay ahead of the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles in tonight's 72-62 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) win.

Halftime: UMD (34) - UMC (27)

The Bulldogs jumped out to a strong start, collecting the first six points of the game. Crookston would struggle to find an answer for the Bulldog offense early, failing to match multiple five and six point streaks with points of their own and allowing UMD to outscore them 26-15 throughout the first 12 minutes. An eight point run from the Golden Eagles would get them back within three, but back to back Thompson and Blair jumpers would help them close out the half a seven point lead.

UMD finished off the first half tonight shooting 12-27 (44.4%) from the field, 1-5 (20%) from outside the arc, and 9-13 (69.2%) from the charity line. The Bulldog defense shined through the first 20 minutes, collecting four steals and three blocks which contributed to eight Crookston turnovers.

Final Score: UMD (72) - UMC (62)

Energy levels were high coming into the second half, with a C. Katona dunk helping the Dogs outscore UMC 8-2 over the first three minutes. The two teams would stay relatively even throughout the rest of the half in terms of offensive production, each team refusing to let the other go on any extended unanswered streaks. However, the Bulldogs early lead from back in the first half would hold strong all the way through to the end and secure a win for the home team.

The Bulldogs closed out the game shooting 24-47 (51.1%) from the field, 2-9 (22.2%) from three point range, and 22-32 (68.8%) from the free throw line. Crookston found themselves in foul trouble throughout the night, collecting 23 personal fouls, while the Bulldogs continued to benefit from small point shots and collecting 44 points in the paint tonight.

Top Performers

Tonight's Player of the Game goes to graduate student guard Drew Blair who shot 10-16 (62.5%) from the field, 2-6 (33.3%) from outside the arc, and 7-8 (87.5%) from the free throw line for a game high 29 points. Senior forward Charlie Katona shot 7-13 (53.8%) from the field, and 2-6 (33.3%) from the free throw line for 16 points while also tallying four rebounds, two assists, and a game high three steals.

Looking Ahead

Men's basketball returns to Romano Gym tomorrow afternoon to host the Bemidji State University Beavers. The action for the Bulldogs will tip off tomorrow at 5:30 PM.