The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team got back into winning form tonight at Romano Gymnasium, opening their homestand weekend with a 61-48 victory over the Augustana University Vikings.
Final Score: UMD (61) - AU (48)
After falling behind 2-0 to start the night, UMD went on an 8-0 run with 8:16 left in the first quarter to take an 8-2 lead. The Bulldogs then added four points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 19-9 advantage. The Bulldogs did most of their first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of their 19 points close to the basket.
The Bulldogs kept their first quarter lead intact before collecting six unanswered points starting at the 3:54 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Grace Counts, to increase their lead to 35-19. The Vikings cut into that lead, but the Bulldogs still enjoyed a 35-21 advantage heading into halftime. UMD dominated in the paint, scoring 14 of its 16 points close to the basket.
UMD continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Miller, to expand its lead even further to 40-24 with 8:23 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Vikings had cut into that lead by two points, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 47-33 edge. UMD played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 12 points in the paint.
UMD continued their 14 point advantage before collecting another five unanswered points, finished off by a jumper from Miller, to grow the lead to 57-39 with 3:31 to go in the contest. The Vikings narrowed the margin before the game was over, but the Bulldogs still cruised the rest of the way for the 61-48 win. UMD took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.
Bulldog Notes vs. AU
The Bulldogs' scoring effort was led by Johanna Miller who had 16 points and seven rebounds in her revenge game against the Vikings. Myra Moorjani added 16 points and Claire Bjorge chipped in as well with 12 points.
UMD out-rebounded Augustana 40-28 in Friday's game, led by Karge's game high 11 boards.
The Bulldog defense held the Vikings to only 32.1% shooting from the field, including 29.4% from beyond the arc. Augustana did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with seven offensive rebounds and managed 10 second chance points while UMD cleared 31 defensive rebounds and forced 14 turnovers.
Looking Ahead
Bulldog women's basketball returns to Romano Gymnasium tomorrow night to take on the Wayne State College Wildcats in their second NSIC matchup of the weekend. Tip-off against the Wildcats is currently set for 3:30 PM.
