“Stellar Defense Propels UMD Men’s Basketball to Victory Over SCSU in Thrilling 2025 Home Opener!”

The University of Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team secured a victory in their inaugural home game of 2025 earlier today, demonstrating exceptional defense to triumph over the St. Cloud State University Huskies 66-58 during their annual Sophie’s Squad mental health awareness game.

 

Final Score: UMD (66) – SCSU (58)

 

Despite trailing 10-8 at the start of the game, UMD embarked on a 6-0 streak with 14:36 remaining in the first half, culminating in a basket from Mattie Thompson, which gave them a 14-10 lead. The Bulldogs gradually relinquished some of that lead, yet still headed into the halftime break with a 33-31 advantage. UMD predominantly scored in the paint during the first half, accumulating 18 of its 33 points close to the hoop.

 

After the break, the Bulldogs continued to extend their lead, reaching a 47-44 advantage before tallying seven consecutive points, capped by a jumper from Jayden Johnson, increasing their lead to 54-44 with 8:32 left in the match. The Huskies reduced the deficit by two points before the conclusion of the game, but the Bulldogs confidently secured a 66-58 victory. UMD took advantage of eight SCSU turnovers in the half, scoring 12 points from those miscues.

 

Bulldog Highlights vs. SCSU

 

The Bulldogs featured two players who scored in double digits, spearheaded by Charlie Katona, who achieved a game-high 21 points. Joshua Brown contributed 10 points along with four assists, while Nick Katona added five points, the team-best eight rebounds, and two steals.

 

UMD’s defense limited SCSU to just 3 for 18 (16.7%) shooting from three-point range and 16 for 45 (35.6%) overall, while forcing 15 turnovers throughout the match. The Huskies struggled to capitalize on their offensive rebounds, finishing with only three and managing just two second chance points, while the Bulldogs secured 28 defensive rebounds.

 

Looking Forward

 

The Bulldog men’s basketball team (10-5, 5-4 NSIC) is set to compete against the Bemidji State University Beavers and the University of Minnesota Crookston next weekend as they conclude their three-game homestand. The tip-off against the Beavers is currently scheduled for Friday, Jan. 17, at 5:30 PM.