UPDATE: Minnesota Duluth (UMD) executed a stunning comeback, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure a thrilling 77-67 victory against Bemidji State in their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener on November 28, 2023, at Romano Gym.
The Bulldogs faced a challenging start, hitting only 2-for-10 from the field in the opening minutes. The Beavers capitalized, racing ahead to a 12-6 lead that expanded to 23-13 following back-to-back three-pointers from Dominic Fairbanks, prompting an early UMD timeout.
In a dramatic turn, UMD fought back from a 26-13 deficit, igniting a 13-1 scoring run led by Caleb Siwek and Kole Hanson. They narrowed the gap to just one point at 27-26 with five minutes remaining in the first half. The Bulldogs eventually took the lead, entering halftime ahead 35-32 after Owen Leach’s four crucial free throws.
Hanson shone brightly in the first half, contributing 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting, while UMD struggled overall, finishing the half at 28.9% from the field.
The second half saw a back-and-forth battle, with the teams exchanging leads multiple times. UMD regained the upper hand at 46-45 after a layup from Mattie Thompson. After a brief tie at 48, the Bulldogs surged ahead with a critical 10-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Thompson, establishing a 58-48 lead.
Despite a relentless push from the Beavers, who trimmed the margin to 66-60 with just five minutes left, UMD regained control with an 11-4 scoring burst, sealing the victory in the final moments. Siwek was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, while Hanson and Thompson added 15 and 14 points respectively.
The Bulldogs dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Beavers 45-32, with Thompson and Nick Katona leading the charge with eight rebounds each.
Next up for UMD (now 5-1) is a crucial nonconference road matchup against Northern Michigan in Marquette, Michigan, on Saturday, November 29. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Bulldogs can maintain their momentum following this impressive comeback.
