BREAKING: Minnesota Duluth (UMD) staged a thrilling comeback from a double-digit deficit to secure a decisive 77-67 victory over Bemidji State in their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener on November 28 at Romano Gym. This dramatic win keeps UMD’s momentum strong as they improve to 5-1 for the season.
The Bulldogs faced a rocky start, hitting only 2-for-10 from the field in the first five minutes, allowing the Beavers to grab an early 12-6 lead. Bemidji State extended their advantage to 23-13, thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers from Dominic Fairbanks, forcing UMD to call a timeout as they struggled to find their rhythm.
However, UMD rallied with a powerful 13-1 scoring surge, led by key players Caleb Siwek and Kole Hanson, cutting the deficit to just one point at 27-26 with five minutes remaining in the first half. By halftime, the Bulldogs had turned the game around, leading 35-32 after Owen Leach sank four crucial free throws.
Despite shooting only 28.9% from the field in the first half, UMD found their groove in the second half. The teams exchanged leads multiple times before UMD took control at 46-45 following a layup by Mattie Thompson. With the score tied at 48, the Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 10-0 run, capped by a Thompson 3-pointer, stretching their lead to 58-48.
The Beavers fought back, narrowing the gap to 66-60 with just five minutes left on the clock. But UMD answered with an explosive 11-4 run to firmly establish their dominance and secure the victory. Siwek was the standout player, leading all scorers with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Hanson and Thompson contributed significantly with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
In addition to their offensive prowess, UMD dominated on the boards, out-rebounding BSU 45-32, with Thompson and Nick Katona each grabbing a team-high 8 rebounds.
Next up for UMD is a crucial nonconference road matchup against Northern Michigan in Marquette, Michigan, on Saturday, November 29. Fans and supporters are eager to see if the Bulldogs can maintain their winning streak as they prepare for this upcoming challenge. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
