Thrilling Home Opener: UMD Women’s Basketball Edged by SCSU 79-66

The University of Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball squad returned to Romano Gymnasium this afternoon for their inaugural home match of the new year, coinciding with their annual Sophie’s Squad mental health awareness event, succumbing to the St. Cloud State University Huskies 79-66.

Final Score: UMD (66) – SCSU (79)

UMD began the afternoon keeping it competitive in the initial quarter, hitting a last-second three-pointer to enter the second period with a slight 14-11 deficit.

SCSU expanded their lead in the second quarter, establishing a 19-13 advantage before the Bulldogs embarked on a 6-0 surge, with a notable bucket from Grace Counts, resulting in a tie at 19. However, the Huskies regained control, placing the Bulldogs at a 37-26 disadvantage going into halftime.

The Bulldogs’ deficit continued to mount post-halftime, with them trailing 60-46 as they headed into the fourth quarter. UMD executed well near the basket, accumulating 14 of their 20 points in the paint.

SCSU persisted in broadening its lead in the fourth quarter, establishing a 62-46 advantage before UMD responded with five consecutive points, capped by a three-pointer from Vanessa Bickford, reducing their deficit to 62-51 with 8:25 remaining in the game. The Huskies countered and outscored the Bulldogs for the remainder, concluding the match with a final score of 79-66. UMD capitalized on their opportunities in the post, totaling 12 of their 20 points in the paint.

Notable Performances vs. SCSU

The Bulldogs had three athletes reach double digits in scoring, led by Maria Counts, who registered 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Myra Moorjani contributed a double-double with 13 points and a team-leading 10 rebounds, while Johanna Miller also contributed with 11 points.

Thanks to four offensive rebounds from Grace Counts, UMD excelled at capitalizing on offensive rebounds, securing 15 boards resulting in eight second-chance points, winning the overall rebounding battle 39-38.

The Bulldogs performed admirably in disrupting SCSU’s shots in the game, accruing five blocks. Lexi Karge was the standout performer for the Bulldogs, registering one rejection.

What’s Next

The Bulldog women’s basketball team (5-10, 3-7 NSIC) will continue their three-game homestand next weekend against the Bemidji State Beavers and the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Their matchup against the Beavers is currently set for Friday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 PM.