The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team fell short in their rivalry rematch at Romano Gymnasium, losing to the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks 63-81 in tonight's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matchup.

Halftime: UMD (33) - MSU (42)

UMD started off the game with momentum, knocking down shots and jumping out to a 12-7 lead with three minutes left in the first quarter. Back to back threes from the Mavericks would stifle the lead shortly, but the Bulldogs would respond with a three of their own to take the lead back before the first buzzer. The two teams would trade buckets to open the second quarter but runs of nine and eight unanswered points by MSU over the next six minutes would launch the Mavericks to a nine point lead before the half.

The Bulldogs shot 9-22 (40.9%) from the field, 3-10 (30%) from outside the arc, and 12-17 (70.6%) from the charity line through the first half tonight. While the Mavericks continued their aggressive playstyle forcing 12 UMD turnovers, their 12 personal fouls kept them at bay and shut down runs of offensive momentum.

Final Score: UMD (81) - MSU (63)

The Bulldogs looked to be back in business to start the second half, draining the opening two buckets of the half. However, MSU responded throughout the third with multiple runs of six, six, and nine points to bring their lead to double digits by the end of the quarter. UMD found their footing in the fourth, matching the MSU scoring with ease and putting together runs of six and eight points that were highlighted by Johnson and Moorjani three pointers. Though the Bulldogs were able to outscore the Mavericks 19-10 through the fourth, it proved to be too little too late. 

UMD finished off the night shooting 20-52 (38.5%) from the field, 5-21 (23.8%) from three point range, and 18-26 (69.2%) from the free throw line. 22 personal fouls for the Mavericks kept the Bulldogs in the game for a while, but UMD struggled to get the shots to connect in order to inch themselves out of the deficit. 

Top Performers

Graduate student guard Madelyn Granica shot 5-11 (45.5%) from the field, 1-6 (16.7%) from three point range, and 2-4 (50%) from the free throw line for a team high 13 points and seven rebounds tonight. Senior guard Taya Hakamaki shot 5-10 (50%) from the field, 1-3 (33.3%) from three point range, and 1-1 from the line for 12 points while also collecting two rebounds and two assists tonight.

Looking Ahead

Women's basketball will turn it around and head out on the road again to face Augustana and Wayne State this weekend. The action for the Bulldogs will tip off on Friday, Feb. 2, at 5:30 PM.