BREAKING: Minnesota Duluth (UMD) staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Bemidji State 77-67 in their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener on November 28, 2023, at Romano Gym. After a sluggish start that saw them fall behind by as much as 13 points, UMD rallied to secure a crucial victory.
Initially struggling with their shooting, UMD opened the game at just 2-for-10 from the field, allowing the Beavers to seize a 12-6 lead. The deficit ballooned to 26-13 after Bemidji State’s Dominic Fairbanks hit consecutive 3-pointers, prompting a timeout from UMD.
However, the Bulldogs found their rhythm, launching a stunning 13-1 scoring run led by standout players Caleb Siwek and Kole Hanson. This surge cut the Beavers’ lead to just one point at 27-26 with five minutes remaining in the first half. By halftime, UMD had flipped the script, heading into the break with a 35-32 advantage, thanks to four clutch free throws from Owen Leach.
The second half was a nail-biter as both teams exchanged leads multiple times. UMD took a slim 46-45 lead following a layup by Mattie Thompson. After a brief tie at 48, the Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 10-0 run, capped by another 3-pointer from Thompson, extending their lead to 58-48.
Despite a late effort from Bemidji State, who reduced the gap to 66-60 with just five minutes left, UMD responded with a critical 11-4 run that solidified their control of the game. Siwek led all scorers with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, while Hanson added 15 points and Thompson contributed 14 points.
In a strong team performance, UMD out-rebounded Bemidji State 45-32, with both Thompson and Nick Katona each grabbing a team-high eight rebounds.
Next, UMD (5-1) prepares for a nonconference road matchup against Northern Michigan in Marquette, Michigan, on November 29, 2023. As the Bulldogs continue to build momentum, fans will be eager to see if they can maintain their winning streak.
Stay tuned for more updates on UMD’s journey this season!
