The University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team out-rebounded the Oklahoma Baptist Bison 36-32 on the way to a 71-52 win at home Saturday, closing out an undefeated weekend to start the 2024-25 season.

Final Score: UMD (71) - OBU (52)

After jumping out to an 8-4 advantage, UMD went on a 10-0 run with 15:32 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Caleb Siwek, to increase its lead to 18-4. Oklahoma Baptist went on to collect 13 minutes, out-scoring UMD 19-14 to end the half. 

Though the Bulldogs still entered halftime with a 32-23 advantage, holding onto their lead with a three pointer of their own from Nick Katona. UMD did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 18 of its 32 points close to the basket.

UMD kept its lead intact before collecting eight unanswered points, finished off by a Charlie Katona three pointer, to grow the lead to 45-31 with 12:00 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way, out-scoring OBU 26-21 to end the game and secure the 71-52 victory.

Bulldog Notes vs. OBU

The Bulldogs had three players score in double figures, led by Austin Andrews, who had 19 points and two steals. Charlie Katona tacked on 16 points, four steals and a game high seven rebounds. Joshua Brown chipped in as well with 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

The UMD defense held Oklahoma Baptist shooters to just 29.6% from the field. The Bison did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only nine offensive rebounds and scored four second chance points while the Bulldogs pulled down 31 defensive rebounds and forced 15 turnovers

Looking Ahead

Bulldog men's basketball is back in Romano Gymnasium for a matchup against the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Rangers before they host the inaugural St. Louis County Basketball Classic. Tip-off against the Rangers is currently set for Sunday, Nov. 17, at 1:00 PM.