The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team opened up their 2024 schedule at Romano Gymnasium tonight, suffering a hard fought Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) loss to the University of Mary Marauders.

Halftime: UMD (37) - UM (35)

The Marauders came out of the gates hot, outscoring the Bulldogs 12-2 over the first four minutes of the first quarter. UMD would be quick to answer back though when two Hakamaki three pointers would kick off back to back strings of 12 points and nine points to outscore UMary 21-2 and head into the second quarter with a nine point lead. The Bulldogs would benefit from this lead throughout the second quarter as they tried to match the momentum of the Marauders, clinging to a two point lead going into the halftime break.

UMD shot 13-30 (43.3%) from the field, 3-9 (33.3%) from three point range, and 8-10 (80%) from the free throw line throughout the first half. Their ability to produce from outside the arc compared to the Marauders 20% three point percentage made all the difference to come out on top through the first twenty minutes.

Final Score: UMD (66) - UM (77)

The Bulldogs would continue to find success from outside the arc with a Karge three and another Hakamaki three in the third quarter, but struggled to find the consistency to match the UMary scoring and found themselves at a 47-53 deficit going into the fourth. A run of six unanswered points from the Dogs, highlighted by four straight successful free throws, would prove to be too late as they would get outscored 19-25 in the final quarter and pick up their first home loss of the season.

The Bulldogs finished off the night shooting 22-58 (37.9%) from the field, 6-16 (37.5%) from outside the arc, and 16-18 (88.9%) from the charity line. Despite their stronger ability to produce on free throws and threes, UMD struggled to match on points in the paint and gave up 18 points to the Marauders on turnovers.

Top Performers

Senior guard Taya Hakamaki topped tonight's score chart for the Bulldogs, shooting 4-7 (57.1%) from the field, 3-3 (100%) from outside the arc, and 9-9 (100%) from the free throw line for 20 total points, while also collecting five rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. Sophomore forward Lexi Karge came away with a team high six rebounds, while also shooting 8-18 (44.4%) from the field for 19 total points. 

Looking Ahead

Women's basketball is back in Romano tomorrow afternoon to take on the Minot State University Beavers. The action will tip off for the Bulldogs at 5:30 PM.