The University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball team kicked off the final weekend of their 2024-25 regular season as they fight for a spot in the postseason, collecting a dominant 77-60 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles.
Final Score: UMD (77) - UMC (60)
After falling behind 13-11, UMD went on a 10-0 run with 5:41 left in the first quarter to take a 21-13 lead. The Bulldogs lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 23-17 advantage. UMD capitalized on five Crookston turnovers in the period, turning them into six points on the other end of the floor.
UMC fought back to tie the game at 31-31 before UMD went on an 11-0 run starting at the 3:58 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Miller, to take a 42-31 lead. The Golden Eagles cut into that lead, but the Bulldogs still enjoyed a 42-33 advantage heading into halftime. UMD dominated in the paint, scoring 14 of its 19 points close to the basket.
After intermission, the Bulldogs held on to their advantage and owned a 58-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter. UMD played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 16 points in the paint.
UMD kept its lead intact before going on a 14-0 run, finished off by Bickford's three, to grow the lead to 74-53 with 4:34 to go in the contest. The Golden Eagles narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Bulldogs still cruised the rest of the way for the 77-60 win. UMD fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down four shots to account for 12 of its 19 points.
Bulldog Notes vs. UMC
The Bulldogs had four players score in double figures, led by Lexi Karge, who had a career high 22 points and six rebounds. Johanna Miller added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds and Vanessa Bickford helped out with 13 points off of the bench.
UMD grabbed 44 rebounds in Friday's game compared to UMC's 30, led by Miller's 12 boards. The Bulldogs also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 12 rebounds into 11 second chance points.
The Bulldog defense held the Golden Eagles shooters to only 37.1% from the field. The Bulldogs also kept Nicole Hernandez to 1-of-13 shooting and three points in the game. The Golden Eagles did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only eight offensive rebounds and scored four second chance points while UMD pulled down 32 defensive rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Bulldog women's basketball (9-17, 7-14 NSIC) closes out their regular season schedule on the road tomorrow evening against the Bemidji State University Beavers. Tip-off against the Beavers is currently set for 5:30 PM.
