The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team returned to Romano Gymnasium this afternoon for their first home game of the new year and their annual Sophie's Squad mental health awareness game, falling to the St. Cloud State University Huskies 79-66.
Final Score: UMD (66) - SCSU (79)
UMD opened the afternoon keeping it close in the first quarter, collecting a last minute three pointer to enter the second frame at just a 14-11 deficit.
SCSU added to their lead in the second, building a 19-13 advantage before the Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Grace Counts, to tie the game at 19. The Huskies then took back control, putting the Bulldogs at a 37-26 disadvantage heading into halftime.
The Bulldogs' deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Bulldogs faced a 60-46 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. UMD played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 20 points in the paint.
SCSU continued to widen its lead in the fourth, constructing a 62-46 advantage before UMD collected five unanswered points, finished off by Vanessa Bickford's three, to shrink the deficit to 62-51 with 8:25 to go in the contest. The Huskies responded and outscored the Bulldogs the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 79-66. UMD took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 20 points in the paint.
Bulldog Notes vs. SCSU
The Bulldogs had three players score in double figures, led by Maria Counts, who had 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Myra Moorjani tacked on a double-double with 13 points and a team high 10 rebounds and Johanna Miller chipped in as well with 11 points.
Led by four offensive rebounds from Grace Counts, UMD did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 15 boards that resulted in eight second chance points and winning the overall rebounding advantage 39-38.
The Bulldogs excelled in disrupting SCSU shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Lexi Karge led the way individually for the Bulldogs with one rejection.
Looking Ahead
Bulldog women's basketball (5-10, 3-7 NSIC) continues a three game homestand next weekend against the Bemidji State Beavers and the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Tip-off against the Beavers is currently scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 PM.
