The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team started off the weekend on a good note, taking home a 74-60 victory over the Bemidji State University Beavers tonight at Romano Gymnasium.
Final Score: UMD (74) - BSU (60)
After falling behind 4-2 to open the night, UMD went on a 6-0 run with 8:24 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Grace Counts, to take an 8-4 lead. The Bulldogs were unable to hold on to that lead though and entered the second quarter at a 17-13 deficit.
Bemidji State added to their lead in the second quarter, building a 34-28 advantage before UMD collected six unanswered points, highlighted by a bucket from Gabrielle Kirchner, to tie the game at 34. Neither team was able to gain an edge by halftime, as the two squads entered the break tied at 36-36. UMD dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 23 points close to the basket.
After intermission, BSU snatched a 47-46 lead before the Bulldogs answered back by going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Karge, to grab a 52-47 lead with 2:04 to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the period. UMD played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 16 points in the paint.
UMD kept the lead intact before collecting nine unanswered points, finished off by a Maria Counts layup, to grow the lead to 67-54 with 3:53 to go in the contest. The Bulldogs continued to expand the margin throughout the final minutes and coasted the rest of the way for the 74-60 win. UMD took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 22 points in the paint.
Bulldog Notes vs. BSU
The Bulldogs had three players score in double figures, led by Lexi Karge, who had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Claire Bjorge added 13 points and Maria Counts helped out with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals.
UMD utilized excellent ball movement in Friday's game, piling up 16 assists on 31 made field goals. Individually, Myra Moorjani lent the helping hand the most for the Bulldogs with six assists.
The UMD defense caused its share of mistakes throughout the night, forcing 15 BSU turnovers while committing 11. Those takeaways turned into nine points on the other end of the floor. Counts' two steals led the way individually for the Bulldogs.
Looking Ahead
Bulldog women's basketball (6-10, 4-7 NSIC) looks to continue the momentum tomorrow night with a matchup against the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Tip-off against the Golden Eagles is currently set for 5:30 PM.
