The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team got their 2024 back on track tonight with a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) win over the Minot State University Beavers. 

Halftime: UMD (30) - MSU (27)

The two teams started the game locked with each other, trading the first four buckets back and forth through the first few minutes. The Bulldogs would strongarm themselves to outscore the Beavers 11-2 over the next three minutes to take a nine point advantage. Minot would respond with a seven point run to close out the first quarter and cut the lead to just two.That lead would fall to just one point, but a Boyer three pointer would help create a seven point run for the Bulldogs to stretch their lead back out. With just under three minutes left, Minot would score seven of their own before a Rhoades jumper would end the half.

The Bulldogs shot 12-23 (52.1%) from the field, 2-10 (20%) from three point range, and 4-6 (66.6%) from the free throw line throughout the first half of tonight's game. Despite having an equal number of opportunities, the Bulldogs ability to capitalize on their free throw attempts were crucial to keep the lead going into the second half.

Final: UMD (54) - MSU (50)

The two would start off the second half of play yet again staying locked with each other, with both teams scoring an even 15 point throughout the third quarter. The Beavers would close in on the lead, cutting it down to 49-48 for the Bulldogs with a minute and a half left in the fourth quarter, until a clutch Hakamaki three pointer would all but close things out for the Dogs as they secure their first win of the new year.  

UMD closed out the night shooting 23-53 (43.4%) from the field, 3-23 (13%) from three point range, 5-9 (55.6%) from the free throw line. A slow night for the UMD offense would be compensated with a strong defensive showing that produced three blocks and forced 14 Minot State turnovers.

Top Performers

Tonight's Player of the Game goes to sophomore forward Lexi Karge, who shot 8-10 (80%) from the field for a game high 17 total points and collected two rebounds, a block, and a steal. Graduate student guard Madelyn Granica shot 5-9 (55.6%) from the field for 11 total points while also collecting six rebounds and a block.

Looking Ahead

Women's basketball returns to action next weekend in St. Cloud, Minn. to take on the St Cloud State University Huskies. The action for the Bulldogs will tip off on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 3:00 PM.