The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team was firing on all cylinders tonight, taking down the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles 82-59 in this evening's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matchup.

Halftime: UMD (44) - UMC (24)

UMD started off hot, taking the first six points of the game unanswered and jumping out to a 10-3 lead in the first five minutes of the game. A seven point run for the Golden Eagles would help get them their first lead of the game with just under three minutes left, but back to back three from Hakamaki and Moorjani would secure them a 18-16 lead going into the second quarter. UMC would edge out closer to the Bulldog lead, outscoring UMD 7-8 over the next five minutes to get within one. However, three shots from range would start a 19 unanswered point run for the Bulldogs to take a 20 point lead going into the halftime intermission.

The Bulldogs ended the first half shooting 18-43 (41.8%) from the field, 7-14 (50%) from outside the arc, and 1-3 (33.3%) from the charity line. While the offense found their stride, especially towards the end of the half, the Bulldogs defense held strong as ever with four steals and two blocks through the first half contributing to UMC's 10 turnovers over the first 20 minutes.  

Final Score: UMD (82) - UMC (59)

The Bulldogs would carry their second quarter momentum over to the second half, creating runs of six and seven unanswered points in the third quarter to outscore the Golden Eagles 18-9 through the third. An eleven point run to start off the fourth for UMC would let them outscore the Bulldogs 8-20 over over the first eight minutes of the final quarter, but a few three point shot from Johnston and Hawkinson would secure the win for the Bulldogs in the first of their three game homestand.

UMD closed out the afternoon shooting 33-80 (41.3%) from the field, 10-26 (38.5%) from three point range, and 6-10 (60%) from the free throw line. The Bulldogs secured 18 offensive rebounds and forced 16 Crookston turnovers to help aid their confident offense tonight, giving them 17 second chance points and 16 points off turnovers through the entire 40 minutes. 

Top Performers

Player of the Game honors tonight go to none other than senior guard Ella Gilbertson with her double double performance tonight, shooting 4-10 (40%) from the field and 3-6 (50%) from three point range for a team high 12 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Myra Moorjani shot 3-8 (37.5%) from the field and 2-6 (33.3%) from three point range for 11 points as well as six rebounds and two assists.

Looking Ahead

Women's basketball welcomes the Bemidji State University Beavers to Romano Gym tomorrow afternoon. The action for the Bulldogs will tip off tomorrow at 3:30 PM.