The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team secured their first weekend sweep of the 2024-25 season, closing out their Saturday afternoon with a 62-56 win over the Wayne State College Wildcats.
Final Score: UMD (62) - WSC (56)
After playing to an 8-8 tie to start off the afternoon, the Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run with 5:37 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Brynn Olson, to take a 14-8 lead. The Bulldogs then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 22-14 advantage. UMD relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 22 points.
The Bulldogs maintained their lead in the game's second frame, collecting another three point shot from Claire Bjorge and entering halftime with a 32-27 edge. UMD forced two Wayne State turnovers in the period and turned them into three second chance points.
UMD preserved its halftime lead going into the third quarter before collecting 11 unanswered points, punctuated by a three from Bjorge, to expand its lead further to 51-36 with 41 seconds to go in the period. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Wildcats had cut into the lead by three, but the Bulldogs still entered the fourth quarter with a 51-39 edge. UMD played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 19 points in the paint.
While they were outscored throughout the fourth quarter 17-11, the Bulldogs were able to hold on to their lead throughout the fourth quarter and secure their second victory of the weekend. UMD took advantage of its opportunities in the post in the quarter, scoring eight of its 11 points in the paint.
Bulldog Notes vs. WSC
The Bulldogs hit 5-of-12 attempts from beyond the arc throughout the afternoon, shooting 41.7% from deep and 43.6% from the field.
UMD had three players score in double figures, led by Johanna Miller, who had 19 points and eight rebounds. Claire Bjorge added 16 points and two steals and Myra Moorjani chipped in as well with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Led by Lexi Karlen's four offensive rebounds, UMD did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in 12 second chance points.
The Bulldog defense held WSC shooters to only 34.4% from the field, including 21.7% from three-point range. The Bulldogs also kept Maya Fitzpatrick to 2-of-12 shooting and four points in the game.
Looking Ahead
Bulldog women's basketball (4-6, 2-3 NSIC) continue their homestand next week against the Winona State University Warriors before heading on the road to Concordia St. Paul. Tip-off against the Warriors is currently set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 PM.
