The No.17 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball team found their stride in the second half as they completed the comeback win over No.23 Minot State University to open their final road trip in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) regular season.
Halftime: UMD (45) - MSU (55)
UMD would start off the game securing the first points of the night. The two teams would spend a majority of the opening minutes trading buckets back and forth, but the Bulldogs would edge out a slight 21-18 lead with 13 minutes left to go in the first half. The small lead would fade quickly as the Beavers collected nine unanswered points for themselves and tally a lead of their own of seven points. The Bulldogs, with the help of a Katona three pointer, would close the gap to just two points over the next two minutes but another eight unanswered for MSU would bring their lead up to double digits. The two teams would go an even 15-15 in scoring with each other to close out the half, with MSU holding onto their 10 point lead.
The Bulldogs shot 17-32 (53.1%) from the field, 4-13 (30.8%) from outside the arc, and 7-8 (87.5%) from the charity line through the first half tonight. While UMD was able to fairly evenly match the Beavers in most stats, such as steals and rebounds, a couple extra turnovers kept them playing from behind as they headed into the second half.
Final Score: UMD (94) - MSU (90)
The Bulldogs would continue to trade points to open the second half, staying down by double digits through the first two and a half minutes. A successful trip to the line by Katona though would kick off a 9-0 run for the Bulldogs to get back within two points with 14 and a half minutes left in the game. MSU would battle to stay ahead, outscoring the Bulldogs by four to stay in the lead with 10 minutes left. A Middleton three pointer would highlight a 12-0 run for the Bulldogs to finally take the lead, going up 79-73 at roughly the seven minute mark. The Beavers would strike back and even regain a one point lead over the next four minutes, but six straight successful free throws would give the lead back to the Bulldogs and secure UMD's ninth win in a row.
UMD ended the comeback night shooting 31-61 (50.8%) from the field, 6-24 (25%) from three point range, and 26-30 (86.7%) from the line. The Bulldogs were able to keep up the pace on the defensive side of the ball, finishing the night with nine steals, four blocks, and 37 total rebounds. Though while the Bulldogs started to find their fitting on offense, the Beavers continued to dig themselves into foul trouble and give the opportunity to UMD to power through in the final minutes.
100 Win Graduates
Graduate student guard Jack Middleton and fifth year senior guard Drew Blair both stamp another milestone for themselves, with reaching 100 career wins with the Bulldogs. Both graduating seniors joined the program back in the 2019-20 season, and continue to lead the Bulldogs as they look to head into their final postseason with the program.
Top Performers
Fifth year senior Guard Drew Blair ended the night shooting 8-17 (47.1%) from the field, 1-6 (16.7%) from three point range, and 8-10 (80%) from the line for a game high 25 points while also collecting six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Senior guard Joshua Brown shot 8-9 (88.9%) from the field, 1-2 (50%) from three point range, and 5-7 (71.4%) from the line for 22 points while also collecting five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Looking Ahead
Men's basketball returns to action tomorrow afternoon to take on the University of Mary Marauders. The action for the Bulldogs will tip off at 5:30 PM.
