UPDATE: In a commanding performance, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs triumphed over the UMary Marauders with an 80-65 victory on January 1, 2024, at Romano Gym in Duluth. Center Noah Paulson led the charge with a game-high 20 points, showcasing the Bulldogs’ dominance in the paint.
Minnesota Duluth asserted their control early, launching the game with an impressive 11-2 run. The Bulldogs displayed exceptional shooting, sinking five of their first six attempts. By halftime, UMD held a comfortable lead of 44-32, shooting an outstanding 60% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc.
Paulson was pivotal, contributing 12 points in the first half alone on 6-of-7 shooting. Alongside him, Daniel Molhoek added eight points, propelling UMD to a staggering 28-8 advantage in points scored in the paint before halftime. In contrast, UMary struggled, shooting just 33.3% from the field.
The Bulldogs maintained their momentum into the second half, with Paulson and Jackson Fowlkes combining to spark a 7-1 run, extending the lead to 51-33. As the game progressed, the Bulldogs’ lead peaked at 67-48, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.
Despite a late push from UMary, who narrowed the gap with a 7-1 run, they could not complete the comeback. Fowlkes finished strong with 18 points, while Caleb Siwek contributed 10 points. Additionally, Nick Katona dominated the boards, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds along with his seven points.
This decisive win improves Minnesota Duluth’s record to 9-4 overall and 5-2 within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will face Bemidji State on January 3, where they aim to continue their winning streak.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Bulldogs push forward in their season!
