The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team continued their search for their first home victory of 2024-25 this afternoon, falling to the Northern Michigan Wildcats 63-65 despite having a lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Final Score: UMD (63) - NMU (65)

The Bulldogs got out to a quick start, jumping up to a 6-4 advantage before collecting seven unanswered points with 5:19 left in the first quarter to increase their lead to 13-4. UMD then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 15-9 advantage. The Bulldogs did most of their first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of their 15 points close to the basket.

NMU fought back to tie the game at 17-17 before UMD went on an 11-0 run starting at the 6:20 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Vanessa Bickford, to take back a 28-17 lead. The Wildcats cut into that lead, but the Bulldogs still enjoyed a 30-23 advantage heading into halftime. UMD continued to dominate in the paint, scoring eight of their 15 second quarter points close to the basket.

The Bulldogs continued to preserve their halftime lead before collecting another seven unanswered points, punctuated by a three from Drew Johnston, to expand their lead further to 42-30 with 4:45 to go in the quarter. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Wildcats had cut into that lead by seven points, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 49-44 edge. UMD knocked down three three-pointers in the third quarter to score nine of their 19 total points.

The Wildcats erased the Bulldog lead in the game's final quarter for a 65-63 comeback victory. UMD took advantage of its opportunities in the post throughout the fourth, scoring 12 of their 14 points in the paint.

Bulldog Notes vs. NMU

The Bulldogs had two players score in double figures, led by Johanna Miller who tallied 17 points. Myra Moorjani added 17 points and five assists and Lexi Karge added nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.

UMD utilized fantastic ball movement in Saturday's game, piling up 17 assists on 25 made field goals. Individually, Claire Bjorge was on top of the distribution list for the Bulldogs with five assists.

Looking Ahead

Bulldog women's basketball returns to action tomorrow afternoon to take on the Michigan Tech Huskies in the final non-conference matchup. Tip-off against the Huskies is currently set for 12:00 PM.